Date:05/07/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/07/05/stories/2009070555360900.htm

National

A sensitive issue: NCW

Special Correspondent

‘It needs a wider debate’

Girija Vyas

NEW DELHI: The National Commission for Women (NCW) has called for a nationwide debate on Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) in the wake of the Delhi High Court judgment that described criminalising homosexuality as a violation of human rights.

“It is a sensitive issue, particularly for a country like India, and therefore requires a wider debate,” chairperson Girija Vyas told reporters here on Saturday.

Ms. Vyas said the NCW held a limited debate on the issue while discussing amendments to laws on rape and related provisions, specifically, Sections 375 and 376 pertaining to the definition of sexual assault and punishments. “Then we had recommended repealing of the Section but that really was not our agenda. At that time we discussed Section 377 from the perspective of a small population it impacted, but now it involves the entire society,” she pointed out.

“The issue needs to be discussed at length,” Ms. Vyas said, adding the Commission had obtained a copy of the judgment and would study it in full before reaching any conclusion. “The judgment will have an impact on several other laws also,” she said.