Love Wins

Shivangi Dhiman
Sep 6, 2018 · 3 min read

The Oxford dictionary describes homosexuality as ‘ the quality or characteristic of being sexually attracted solely to people of one’s own sex.’ In many cultures and nations this was (and still is) considered a punishable offense. However, on 6th September 2018, the Supreme Court of India scraped the Section 377, marking a historic event for the nation. This 158-year-old article was introduced under the British reign on the grounds of homosexuality or acts against the order of nature that are condemned by the bible.

Image source: https://edition.cnn.com/2018/06/13/health/pride-month-explainer-trnd/index.html

The section stated that “whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.”

The section was a breach to privacy as it intervened with the personal lives of homosexuals. It deprived them of the right to live their lives as free individuals. As a consequence of which, many homosexuals often lived with a sense of vulnerability and insecurity. Their fear of being recognized as homosexuals had often prevented them from pursuing their goals and following their dreams. One such example is that of the famous mathematician and computer scientist Alan Turing who committed suicide at the age of 41 due to the repeated punishments he had to face because if his sexuality.

Section 377 discriminated toward the LGBTQ community and often placed them in circumstances that would deprive them of their claim to the fundamental human rights. But with its the abolition, people who were never able to fully be themselves and own up their sexuality out in the open can now feel a sense of comfort and security.

Image source: https://www.dawn.com/news/1431295

Criminalising homosexual activities questioned the identity of individuals and snatched away the very essence of equality for all. As a result of which, LGBT people in many societies often fell victims to torture, harassment and abuse; thereby being violated.

“ I think that the Bible teaches that homosexuality is a sin, but the Bible also teaches that pride is a sin, jealousy is a sin, and hate is a sin, evil thoughts are a sin. So I don’t think that homosexuality should be chosen as the overwhelming sin that we are doing today.” — BILLY GRAHAM

As humans, it is essential to understand that everyone must have the right to lead their life their way, irrespective of their sexual orientation. Thus, the scraping off of Section 377 only goes to prove how society has slowly begun to accept individuals for who they are. Love wins!

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