'Outdated law' major obstacle in tackling AIDS. Piot

[Guest guest]

'Outdated law' major obstacle in tackling AIDS

New Delhi (IANS): An Indian law that criminalises sex between men is

a " major obstacle " in efforts to stop the spread of HIV/AIDS in the

country, according to UN AIDS executive director Piot.

" Section 377 (of the Indian Penal Code - IPC) is part of the colonial

heritage and should have been abolished a long time back. It is a

violation of human rights and a major obstacle in fighting HIV/AIDS " ,

Piot told IANS during his recent visit to India.

Section 377 treats sexual relations among people of the same gender

as " unnatural " and a criminal act. The provision has been mired in

controversy ever since a public suit was filed in 2001 in the Delhi

High Court challenging its legality.

http://www.hindu.com/thehindu/holnus/099200811171380.htm