March 2006 Cover
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Nongovernmental groups and UNAIDS are criticizing last month's arrest of four men in Lucknow, capital of Uttar Pradesh, on charges of homosexuality and running a gay club Web site.
While prevalent underground, homosexuality is illegal in India, with a conviction carrying 10 years in jail.
Criminalizing homosexuality, a UNAIDS official said, increases the stigma and discrimination facing men who have sex with men, further hampering India's AIDS fight. Worldwide,
only South Africa has more HIV-infected citizens than India.
"We're concerned at the arrest of a number of men who have sex with men in Lucknow," said Denis Broun, UNAIDS India coordinator, adding that India needs to repeal "archaic"
19th century laws banning homosexuality. "Criminalization of people most at risk of HIV infection may increase stigma and discrimination, ultimately fueling the AIDS epidemic," he said.
Lucknow police said the men arrested, who are in their early 30s, had dozens of members in their Internet club. "The members would meet in private and public places and indulge
in unnatural acts," said police officer Ashutosh Pandley. He dismissed the idea of releasing the men.
The gay rights Naaz Foundation International, which is petitioning India's Supreme Court to overturn the ban on homosexuality, said it is discussing the men's arrest with
Lucknow authorities.
The government contends that the ban cannot be thrown out because homosexuality is not accepted by Indian society. However, the government's own planning commission,
headed by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, recently recommended decriminalizing homosexuality and sex work in order to help the country fight HIV/AIDS.
Editor's Note: from Reuters
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