IMPHAL, Dec 22: Members of Awaken Artisan Shelter Association (AASHA), a community-based organization of men having sex with men (MSM) and transgender, have voiced their resentment against the Supreme Court verdict on 377 IPC, terming it as ‘criminalization of homosexuality’.
Speaking to media persons at a press conference held at its office at Sagolband Salam Leikai today its secretary G Shyam Sharma said that the verdict of looking towards MSM and transgender as criminal could not be agreed, as they do not promote improbity in the society.
After the reinforcement of the 377 IPC by the Supreme Court of India, they alleged facing constant verbal harassment from police personnel that they can be arrested anytime, which they stated is very condemnable and caused them immense pain and mental agony.
According to a member, one of the negative impacts of the new ruling will be forcing the MSM and transgender to hide their identity and sexual orientation. The inclination to hide their true nature will ultimately lead to escalation in spread of sexually transmitted diseases in the society, he said. Lourembam Radharani, who is associated with the health sector, agreed that the new proclamation of the SC will be detrimental to the well being of homosexuals. She stated that it will be worthwhile to engage in sensitization on reducing STD rather than penalizing the MSM and transgender.
