Today’s date – 6th September 2018 – is historic and celebratory as Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code which criminalised gay sex, has been abolished.
The 158-year-old statue and was a colonial legacy and it continued in the law book even after independence.
it’s clear that this decision has been a long-time coming, Bollywood actors have expressed their joy and happiness for this verdict.
Filmmaker Karan Johar was amongst the first celebrities to share his reaction on the news.
He tweeted, “Historical judgment!!!! So proud today! Decriminalising homosexuality and abolishing #Section377 is a huge thumbs up for humanity and equal rights! The country gets its oxygen back!”
Historical judgment!!!! So proud today! Decriminalising homosexuality and abolishing #Section377 is a huge thumbs up for humanity and equal rights! The country gets its oxygen back! 👍👍👍💪💪💪🙏🙏🙏 pic.twitter.com/ZOXwKmKDp5
— Karan Johar (@karanjohar) September 6, 2018
Aamir Khan, who has previously addressed accepting all sexualities in his show Satyameva Jayate, also expressed his gratitude towards the government for abolishing the out-dated statute.
He tweeted: “We thank the Supreme Court for its decision to strike down article 377. It is a historic day for people who believe in equal rights for all.
The judiciary has done its duty, and now we must do ours.” This was followed by a YouTube link to an episode of his show.
We thank the Supreme Court for its decision to strike down article 377. It is a historic day for people who believe in equal rights for all. The judiciary has done it’s duty, and now we must do ours. https://t.co/zzxc4kfNxS
— Aamir Khan (@aamir_khan) September 6, 2018
Amongst the legendary names, several current and young Bollywood actors too conveyed their happiness.
Such names include Ranveer Singh and Varun Dhawan in the mix.
As such, Varun wrote:
“A law implemented in 1860 is now abolished. A day for our entire nation to live with pride. Bye bye #sec377 #lovealllovefree #historic.”
A law implemented in 1860 is now abolished. A day for our entire nation to live with pride. Bye bye #sec377 #lovealllovefree #historic
— Varun MAUJI Dhawan (@Varun_dvn) September 6, 2018
But one actor who has arduously extended support towards the LGBTQ community is Sonam Kapoor.
In her Tweet, the Veere Di Wedding actress wrote:
“This is the India I want to live in. Not one filled with hate, bigotry, sexism homophobia and intolerance. THIS is the India I love.”
This is the india I want to live in. Not one filled with hate, bigotry,sexism homophobia and intolerance. THIS is the India I love. 🇮🇳 🌈
— Sonam K Ahuja (@sonamakapoor) September 6, 2018
Soha Ali Khan’s Instagram post of baby-daughter Inaaya Kemmu in an LGBTQ pride tunnel also caught our attention.
This is not only a photograph but represents an ideology that the forthcoming generation will live in an India which is free of any legal boundaries that bind homosexual love.
Hence, Soha’s caption for the post is: “There is light at the end of the tunnel!!! #freedom.”
Announcing the historic verdict, the Chief Justice said, “I am what I am. So take me as I am.”
“History owes an apology to LGBT persons for ostracisation, discrimination,” said Justice Indu Malhotra. Under the 1861 law, gay sex was punishable by up to 10 years in jail.
But now that Section 377 is scrapped, it can be said that India is progressing towards a more accepting future.
May this light of change continue to shine brightly.
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