So this report of a petition to decriminalize homosexuality in India is highly welcome. The petition appears to be cleverly couched in terms of a public health issue--on the DL homosexuality is largely seen as responsible for India’s AIDS crisis. And then it sneaks in a crucial cultural argument:
Activists point out that the [anti homosexuality] legislation was introduced by the British colonial authorities and does not reflect ancient Hindu cultural values. The Hindu epics reveal a tolerant approach to homosexuality, and the stone carvings on the temples of Khajuraho show men having sex with men.
I wonder if the full text of the petition is available online and if there’s an active signature campaign.
UPDATE: If the link in the IHT article doesn't work for you (didn't for me) you can find the text of the letter along with Amartya Sen's endorsement here.
2 comments:
Actually, Maya, the article to which you link also links to the letter....
Thanks, Piper...
But it won't open for me :/
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