Shashi Tharoor’s bill to decriminalise consensual sex defeated in Lok Sabha
The Congress MP’s Bill that attempted to decriminalise all sex acts by consenting adults was voted down 71-24 by the lower house on Friday.
Congress MP Shashi Tharoor's private member’s bill seeking to amend Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code was voted down in the Lok Sabha on Friday. The Indian Penal Code (Amendment) Bill 2015 was defeated 71-24 in the lower house. The bill sought to decriminalise consensual sex between adults, regardless of sexuality or gender.
“Surprising to see such intolerance,” Tharoor tweeted after the bill was rejected. He also said that he will try garner support and reintroduce the bill in the Parliament in the future.
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
Section 377 has been the subject of nationwide debate as it has been used to extort sexual minorities. In 2009, the Delhi High Court read down the section, but Supreme Court overturned this verdict in 2013.
Here is a video showing the Lok Sabha voting on Tharoor's bill: