The Hindu : Opinion / Letters to the Editor : Section 377

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Tuesday, Jun 30, 2009
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Opinion - Letters to the Editor

Section 377

This refers to the report that the Centre may repeal Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which criminalises homosexuality. The freedom given to individuals is accompanied by responsibility and accountability. Freedom sans responsibility is dangerous. The repeal of Section 377, in the name of respecting the freedom of sexual minorities, will create social disharmony resulting in the disappearance of social values.

K.T. Krishnaswami,

Singaperumal Koil

* * *

Can we stop enacting laws because they are likely to be misused? There is no justification in the argument that an outdated law should not be scrapped because of the fear that it will lead to increased instances of child abuse. All kinds of undesirable, unlawful and unacceptable activities take place in India despite the existence of laws enacted to prevent them. Countries which have de-criminalised homosexuality have also implemented strict laws against child abuse.

V.N. Mukundarajan,

Thiruvananthapuram The government is bound to face a serious challenge in its bid to repeal Section 377. It should tread carefully in the matter. Before decriminalising homosexuality, it should consult experts, including psychologists.

S. Venugopalan,

Chennai

* * *

With the entire media talking about gay pride and the need to take the sexual minorities more seriously, I am beginning to wonder what has caused the sudden hype. Homosexuals are not the only marginalised group in India. Not that they should be discriminated against but I think a minority group should not get preference over other groups.

Malni Raghavendran,

Chennai

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Section 377