Opinion Same old story

Last week, India supported a proposal at the UN Human Rights Council to block discussion on the “various forms of the family” as they exist in different political, social and cultural contexts. The HRC resolution in question had called on states to protect the rights of families, recognised in several UN declarations as the “natural and fundamental group unit of society”. By all accounts, it was to be a routine affirmation by UN member states of the civil and socioeconomic rights of families, especially women and children, till Chile and France, among others, sought to amend the draft by recognising diversity among families. Several countries, however, led by Russia, successfully moved a “no action” vote to prevent discussion on this amendment. India, unfortunately but perhaps unsurprisingly, backed the Russian initiative.

India’s vote at the HRC only underlines its troubling record on the issue of LGBT rights at home. As things stand, even the most basic acknowledgment is denied to these relationships. In fact, they are still criminalised. The Supreme Court, through its disappointing verdict last year affirming the constitutionality of Section 377, abdicated its responsibility to amend the provision and stand up for the rights of sexual minorities. It lobbed the issue to the legislature, which seems unlikely to prioritise these concerns. The LGBT community continues to be forced to live a life of fear and secrecy, under society’s radar.

Advertisement

In throwing in its lot with countries like Russia, China, Uganda and Saudi Arabia, which have a less than sterling, and in fact outrightly repressive, record on LGBT rights, the Indian government has signalled that the possibilities of a more forward thinking conversation on this issue between civil society and government remains a dim possibility at home.