New Delhi, July 3 (Inditop.com) “Proud to be Indian and gay!” said a blogger as he rejoiced an Indian court’s decision overturning an age-old law and decriminalising homosexuality. Another blogger called it the “biggest turning point for the gay liberation movement”, and messages of jubilation and support poured in.
Apart from individual blogs of gay rights activists, several members of social networking sites like Facebook and Orkut are celebrating the decision as a triumph of Indian democracy.
In his blog ‘Rainbow Rays’, Nipul Goyal, a writer and gay rights activist from Bhopal, wrote: “I’m proud to be both Indian and gay. The Delhi High Court judgment has made one thing clear – that India was founded and continues to be based on the long-cherished values of freedom and equality. With this historical ruling, India has now become the largest democracy in the world to decriminalize homosexuality.
“Today is the biggest turning point in the Indian gay liberation movement. Religious groups like the Muslim Personal Law Board have already threatened to move the Supreme Court. But this time we are are more confident and united than ever before. We shall continue with our struggle… it’s only a new beginning!” said Goyal, who is also the founder of various gay rights communities on Orkut.
Another blogger, Abhishek Saha, in his blog MuseFree on wordpress.com said: “I cannot really express how thrilled I am with the decision. The High Court through its judgement has given millions of Indians the right to be the way they are without facing harassment or prosecution. This is the biggest blow in favour of individual liberty that has happened in India for many years.”
“At last we are being noticed. Congratulations everyone,” wrote Mumbaikar Atul, on a discussion forum for the Indian Gay Liberation Movement, an Orkut community.
Puneet from Pune wrote: “Congratulations guys, it’s a historic decision, equal rights for all.”
Meanwhile blogger Parthapk called the ruling “a bold decision”.
Netizen “RTM” from the capital and member of ‘Happy to be Gay’ community on Orkut said: “…I always had a faith in the Indian Constitution and the judiciary and our rights have finally been recognized. I hope the government (considers) the Delhi HC’s recommendation to implement reforms…”
As news of the decision came in Thursday, messages of support and celebrations flooded the discussion boards of the site’s communities – even those outside India expressed their support.
Rishi Agarwal from Toronto wrote: “Congrats to India and (thanks to) the Delhi high court… Delhi zindabad!”
Joseph Antony from New York, a member of the Make Homosexuality Legal in India group on social networking site Facebook wrote: “A very big social change for a conservative, developing country. My heartfelt gratitude and congratulations to all the activists, bloggers, and national and international organizations that generated enough will to make this happen.
He added: “…we could soon have gay couples come out from under the rocks and finally live like dignified individuals all across India, just like the Constitution guarantees. I wish this news had come a week before, and we could celebrate this at the pride marches.”
Paco Montes, another member wrote: “It is a good news. Hope you can win more freedom and respect.”
