Bill to Decriminalise Gay Sex Rejected by ‘Intolerants’: Tharoor

Tharoor says he is surprised by the ‘intolerance’ in the ruling party.

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor had introduced a bill in the Lower House to decriminalise consensual sex between consenting adults. The bill was voted down by 71 MPs and supported by 24 MPs.

Tharoor introduced the amendment bill to 377 but he was snubbed by the Chair, Ramen Deka, and the House members as well. Another MP NK Premchandran tried to speak in support of the amendment. However, he was snubbed as well. (Also Read on The Quint: Shashi Tharoor on Three Laws for a More Liberal India)

Tharoor’s Legislative Plan

• Redefine the 1870 “sedition” law to include only words and actions that are a direct incitement to violence.
  
• Introduce a refugee and asylum law that will reflect the leading role India has played in sheltering those fleeing persecution.
  
• Amend Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalises consensual sexual acts between consenting adults.

Tharoor slammed the naysayers and called them intolerant.

1/2 Intro of Pvt.Member's Bill2decriminalize consensual sex btwn consenting adults defeated in LS 71-24. Surprising to see such intolerance.

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 18, 2015

2/2 Notice of intent to oppose introducn of Bill came so late there was no time 2rally support. Will try again in future. We shall overcome!

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 18, 2015

Thanks. There's no statute of limitations on doing the right thing. We should keep the Govt out of people's bedrooms https://t.co/8O915WHBpv

— Shashi Tharoor (@ShashiTharoor) December 18, 2015