In the aftermath of the Orlando shooting, in which an Afghan-American assailant shot indiscriminately at people in gay nightclub Pulse, leaving 50 people dead, the diplomatic missions of over 27 countries around the world situated in India have sent out a statement to reiterate their commitment for equal rights, irrespective of their gender identity.
The statement was sent out by the embassies of Germany, USA, France, Italy, Japan, Austria, Argentina, Brazil Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Croatia, Czech Republic, Denmark, Ecuador, Finland, Greece, Ireland, Luxembourg, Mexico, Netherlands, Spain, Sweden, the Australian, British and Canadian High Commissions and a Delegation of the European Union.
"At home, and increasingly abroad, many countries support, organize, or participate in events to celebrate the diversity of their citizens, to reduce discrimination and misinformation about the LGBTI community, to build on individual and collective achievements, and to highlight what needs to be done to ensure fundamental human dignity of all individuals and full equality for all human beings regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity," read the statement.
June, known as the Pride Month, because of the infamous Stonewall Riots of 1969, is widely celebrated around the world through marches, hoistings of the rainbow flag, film screenings. In India, too, the pride walk is taken out in all the prominent metros.
The statement, however, is likely to be a nudge to India to let go of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalises homosexuality. In February this year, however, the Supreme Court has allowed for a curative petition demanding a relook in the legislation.
"Look at Orlando, the amount of homophobia around us is alarming. India needs to step up, we are an embarrassment in the global scene," said a prominent member of the Delhi Queer Pride Committee.
