I can’t help but smile at the split in the government over the issue of legalising homosexuality. Don’t dismiss me as yet another protestor against the “un-natural inter course”. I am all for homosexuality as any sensible person wouldbe. I am relieved that at least the taboo issue, which would earlier be quietly sweeped under the carpet, is being discussed out in the open. That is indeed a good sign for homosexuals fighting for their basic human right.

Many of us regard Anubumani Ramadoss a little off the hook with his many ideas on health and smoking. However, he shall indeed be remembered as the first Indian leader to actually show concern towards the queer community. Apparently, he and the home minister Shivraj Patil do not see eye to eye on this issue. As a result, PM MAnmohan Singh is being  forced to intervene. Let’s see what happens next.

Ramadoss wants an amendment in article 377 of the Indian Penal Code which states:
Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature, with any man, woman or animal shall be punishable with imprisonment for life or for a term which may extend to ten years and shall also be liable to fine.

Ramadoss believes that legalising homosexuality will help India fight AIDS better while Patil feels that such an amendement will cause a rise in criminal activity (I can’t seem to fathom what he means by that).

With all respect to the IPC, the article 377 is a little absurd. Who gives the right to the government to peep into the bedroom of two consulting adults?

And as for homosexuality being “un-natural” and a “crazy offshoot of present day rebellion”. Well, don’t we know that Alexander the Great had a “close” relationship with many of his male courtiers. C’mon the folks were away from their women for years together, so bisexuality and homosexuality was the only option to them. Historians believe that Emperor Shahjahan, yes the one who built the Taj Mahal, had male lovers. Then again, the Jamaali Kamali mosque in Mehrauli in many ways pays tribute to male love. This is where a Sufi poet and his disciple – who the poet was very close to – lie buried side by side. And don’t make me start on what the sexual patterns in Khajuraho reveal.