After the LGBT community on Sunday demanded a discussion in the Parliament on Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), saying it should be dismissed, senior Congress MP said that he would introduce a private member’s bill in Parliament.
Taking to micro blogging site, Congress leader Shashi Tharoor said, "Back in Delhi for Parliament, heard about huge LGBT Pride rally today. Time to #Scrap377. I am introducing a PvtMember'sBill in Parliament."
He further added, "My bill to decriminalize consensual sex between adults of any gender was submitted ten days ago to Parliament. Hope it will be admitted4discn."
However, when he was asked for the text of the bill, Tharoor tweeted , "For all those asking: it would be a breach of Parliamentary practice to reveal the text of my bill to #Scrap377 until it has been introduced."
Transgender rights activist Laxmi Tripathi told ANI, "Section 377 must be discussed in the Parliament. It should not be considered on morality value, but as a human and constitutional right. Section 377 should be dismissed."
Hundreds of gay rights activists on Sunday danced to drum beats and held colourful balloons as they marched in the 'Queer Pride Parade' in Delhi, celebrating the diversity of gender and sexuality.
Speaking at the Times Lit Fest , Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had said that the apex court should not have reversed the Delhi High Court order de-criminalising consensual sex among homosexuals.
"When you have millions of people involved in this (homosexuality) you can't nudge them off," Jaitley said.
In December 2013, the Supreme Court had overturned the Delhi High Court's July 2009 judgement, which had declared Section 377 as unconstitutional.
The apex court had stated that amending or revoking Section 377 should be a matter left to the Parliament and not the judiciary.
Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code criminalises homosexual acts, stating it is 'against the order of nature'.
