Home ministry, which had been so far against change in section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) which bans homosexuality, now appears to be in favour of repealing of the law.
As against his predecessor Shivraj Patil's view, home minister P Chidambaram is learnt to have expressed his views on repealing of section 377.
Officials believe since law minister too has now a lenient view, the government stand before high court will now change - provided the health ministry too expresses the need to change the law or repeal it altogether in favour of homosexual relationship.
Home minister Chidambaram, who is in favour of repealing of section 377, has called a meeting of health minister Ghulam Nabi Azad, law minister V Moily and home ministers of all states for consultation.
With Chidambaram and Moily on board, it seems the gay right activists may now break their biggest hurdle. Home ministry is now waiting for formal nod from health and law minister.
Earlier, it was the home ministry which opposed it in the high court, arguing that homosexuality is not accepted by Indian society and repealing of the law would open the floodgates of delinquent behaviour.
Home ministry had however argued that homosexuals are vulnerable to HIV-AIDS, hence the discrimination against them should end.
Home ministry is now waiting whether the new health minister G N Azad too favours his ministry's earlier stand.
With Chidambaram and Moily being on board, the ball is now in Azad's court. Final decision will be taken after taking consent of all in the proposed meeting.
Source:- The Times of India 27 Jun 2009
Source:- The Times of India 27 Jun 2009
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