In a landmark ruling an Indian high court has decided to reverse a law that has criminalised consenting adult sex between men for the last 150 years. In the past the law has not only stigmatised men who have sex with men in India but also hampered HIV prevention efforts in the country.
Commonly known as section 377, the criminalisation law of sex between men has been largely responsible for having a negative effect on HIV prevention in India. Those populations who are stigmatised in society are forced to be secretive about their activities meaning they miss out on opportunities to access vital HIV prevention, treatment and care services. The result is the further spread of a preventable infection.
It is hoped with the oppressive law now repealed, HIV and AIDS responses can be scaled up and targeted effectively so that those who are at risk can seek the HIV/AIDS services they so desperately need.
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