Section 377 stopping the drive against AIDS: Ramadoss

Anbumani Ramadoss observed that the law penalising homosexuality was creating difficulties for an effective AIDS control programme.

Observing that the law penalising homosexuality was creating difficulties for an effective AIDS control programme, Health Minister Anbumani Ramadoss said on Friday “good judicial verdicts” on the matter can change stigma associated with the menace and positively effect the campaign.

Ramadoss said that the country has a population group of 23 lakh which fall in the category of ‘men having sex with men’, out of which ten per cent are highly vulnerable to HIV/AIDS.

“In order to intervene in this crucial segment, access is needed and Section 377 (law prohibiting homosexuality) makes it difficult. If this goes, it will help a great deal in de-stigmatisation and improve access to the target groups. Having a good judicial verdict in some on-going cases will have a positive effect on our efforts,” Ramadoss said inaugurating a photo exhibition on AIDS awareness at a Delhi Metro station.

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He said the Ministry was lobbying with concerned agencies for removal of Section 377 as it is impending the government’s programme to control the menace.

Noting that the country’s AIDS control programme has started showing results with incidence of AIDS started declining, he said the Government is expanding the AIDS control measures to new areas also.

“India’s dedicated focus on HIV prevention is fetching dividends. We are seeing the beginning of the stabilisation of the epidemic in the country,” he said. The Minister had earlier favoured legalising homosexuality and removing discrimination against other vulnerable sections like sex workers in order to contain spread of the dreaded disease.