Gay and proud, Delhi flaunts its queer side

Members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender community on Sunday held a march in Delhi, demanding an end to the discrimination which is still being faced by them, despite the decriminalisation of gay sex.

Carrying rainbow-coloured flags, the demonstrators marched to the beat of traditional Indian drums, calling for equal rights for them in the country.

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The parade culminated at Jantar Mantar, where the demonstrators distributed rainbow-coloured flags and badges among the members of the public.

In 2009, the Delhi high court had decriminalised gay sex, which until then had been punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

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However, Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code -- the provision which treated consensual homosexual sex between adults as a crime -- was held unconstitutional only to the extent that it criminalises gay sex in private.

The provision remains intact as far as it applies to non-consensual gay sex and intercourse with minors.

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A stay against the high court verdict was sought from the Supreme Court, which did not grant the request.

The apex court, on March 27, 2012, reserved its verdict on a number of appeals which have challenged the high court verdict.

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