“Criminalisation of homosexuality is one of the root causes behind grave and pervasive human rights violations against gay, lesbian, trans and bisexual persons,” said Victor Madrigal-Borloz, the Independent Expert on protection against violence and discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity.
A world free from discrimination and violence on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity depends to a large extent on dismantling criminalising provisions, which are often the result of colonial imposition, he said, applauding the judgement diluting Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, issued unanimously by a five-Judges bench on 6 September 2018.
“It is my sincere hope that, today, all other countries that still criminalise homosexuality and other forms of sexual orientation and gender identity, will carefully examine this ruling and decide that the time has come to bring themselves to full compliance with this human rights imperative,” the Independent Expert said.
Madrigal-Borloz, who has repeatedly stated that these forms of criminalisation of consensual sex between two adults violates international human rights law, noted that the Indian Supreme Court had remarked on the arbitrary and irrational nature of such criminalisation.
“I am encouraged by the Supreme Court’s findings, which evoke the principle of equality and the imperative of respecting a person’s identity. I am delighted that India – home to one-sixth of the world’s population - has taken this very meaningful step toward full compliance with its human rights obligations,” he said.
Madrigal-Borloz applauded the vital contribution of civil society in the drive to decriminalise same sex relations in India.
“Behind this and every other major State step to protect the human rights of gay, lesbian, bisexual and trans persons there are years of steadfast commitment by human rights defenders, victims, advocates and activists,” he said. “This judgement, which comes after decades of litigation before the Indian Judiciary, is a reminder of the indispensable contribution of civil society to the mission of perfecting democracy and respect for human rights around the globe.”