Today is the fourth anniversary of the significant Indian Section 377 verdict, and the British High Commission will hold a reception to commemorate the occasion.
Consensual sexual activity between adults of the same sex was decriminalised by the Supreme Court of India’s decision from September 6, 2018.
Significant repercussions for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) community have resulted from the historic decision.
To commemorate and enhance the rights of the LGBT community, representatives of Indian industry, civic society, human rights NGOs, and consul generals from various overseas embassies will gather at the event.
One of the five justices who rendered the landmark decision, Justice DY Chandrachud, has been asked to attend the event as the honoree.
The Supreme Court of India’s Honorable Judge, Justice Dhananjaya Yeshwant Chandrachud, stated:
Even if the Navtej ruling was significant, there is still more work to be done. All you need is love, love, all you need, as the Beatles once sung.
I take the opportunity of disagreeing with them and saying that maybe we need a bit more than love, at the risk of upsetting music lovers worldwide. Both structural and attitudinal improvements are necessary.
British High Commissioner to India, Alex Ellis, stated:
We appreciate Justice Chandrachud’s participation and the attendance of everyone at today’s celebration of the fourth anniversary of the landmark Section 377 ruling that advanced LGBT rights in India.
The UK commemorated the 50th Anniversary of Pride in London earlier this year in July.
These achievements in the fight against prejudice in the UK and India serve as a reminder of how far we have gone and how much work still needs to be done.
The UK in India family is honoured to collaborate with Indian organisations that promote equality for all people and diversity.
Transgender model and activist Rudrani Chhetri said:
It is an honour for me to be here for the celebration of the Section 377 ruling’s fourth anniversary that the British High Commission is hosting today.
This landmark decision shields individuals from mistreatment and many horrors, such as blackmail and sexual assault that the LGBT community previously experienced.
We all feel more comfortable expressing ourselves not only openly but also with pride, and we think this is a move in the correct path that supports all human rights.
further information
High quality photographs from the event will be posted here for free use.
With approximately 500 individuals, the British High Commission in India held events in six different cities throughout India in September 2019 to commemorate the first anniversary of the Section 377 ruling. The events focused on a variety of topics, including diversity and inclusion in the workplace.
The Equal Rights Coalition, which unites 42 nations dedicated to collaborating to advance LGBT+ rights internationally, is co-chaired by the United Kingdom.