David Cameron urged to raise ban on homosexuality with Indian PM
Calls have been made for Prime Minister David Cameron to raise the issue of the re-criminalisation of homosexuality with the Indian Prime Minister.
Homosexuality was re-criminalised in Indian in 2013, when Section 377 of the country’s Penal Code was reinstated.
Writing to David Cameron was Subodh Rathod, Programmes Manager for Wise Thoughts, a North London based art organisation promoting arts, films, dance classes and LGBT services in Haringey.
He wrote: I am writing with regards to the forthcoming visit of the Prime Minister of India Shri. Narendra Modi. I hope that within your discussions, you may be able to tackle the issue of gaining legal acceptance for LGBT people in India. As you will un-doughtily be aware, in 2013 the Indian Supreme Court re-criminalised homosexuality by bringing back into force Section 377 of the Indian Penal code.
“This is an issue that has direct impact on the human rights of LGBT people in India, but it also has wider ramifications via the impact the LGBT South Asian / Indian diaspora based in UK. As a gay British Asian, who has benefited from the introduction of marriage equality brought in by your government, I feel it is vital that we advocate for change and equality for all.”
A petition urging David Cameron to do the same has also been launched.
Check out the letter below:
The Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, arrived in the UK today as a guest of David Cameron.
Mr Cameron said the visit marked “a historic opportunity” for the UK and India to help each other progress.
“It’s an opportunity for two countries, tied by history, people and values, to work together to overcome the biggest challenges of our age,” Mr Cameron said.
“Prime Minister Modi and I intend to grab that opportunity with both hands.”
An LGBT arts festival run by Wise Thoughts, GFEST, launched earlier this week with an exhibition highlighting difficulties facing LGBT South Asians on the eve of Diwali.
PinkNews has reached out to Downing Street for comment
