News

Lok Sabha opposes Sashi Tharoor's same sex bill

by IBNS 19 Dec 2015, 08:49 am

New Delhi, Dec 19 (IBNS) Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's plan to introduce a bill that decriminalises gay sex in India, took a hit on Friday amidst protests from the BJP and some of his own party members, reports said.

Tharoor's plan was  supported by only 23 other MP's and with majority going against it, including Union Law Minister Sadananda Gowda, Tharoor failed to introduce his new bill.

Calling this an act of intolerance, Tharoor tweeted: "1/2 Intro of Pvt.Member's Bill2decriminalize consensual sex btwn consenting adults defeated in LS 71-24. Surprising to see such intolerance."

"2/2 Notice of intent to oppose introducn of Bill came so late there was no time 2rally support. Will try again in future. We shall overcome!"

Tharoor who wanted to amend Section 377 of IPC, also tweeted: "377 is not only about sex but about fundamental constitutional principles -- equality before the law, privacy, dignity, non-discrimination."

The original 377 of IPC bans sex against the order of nature, however in 2009 the Delhi HC amended the law and gay sex was exempted, terming the law against equality.

Four years later, The Supreme Court restored the original law, thus criminalising gay sex.