The Sri Lankan government has announced plans to decriminalize homosexuality, a move that would make it the first country in South Asia to decriminalize LGBTQ+ people. The announcement was made by Sri Lanka’s Justice Minister, Ali Sabry, during a debate in parliament on a proposed amendment to the Penal Code.
Sabry stated that the amendment seeks to repeal parts of the law that make same-sex relations illegal, including sections 365 and 365A of the Penal Code. These sections criminalize “carnal intercourse against the order of nature” and “gross indecency” between people of the same sex, respectively.
The move has been hailed as a significant step towards equality and human rights in Sri Lanka. Currently, homosexuality is punishable by up to ten years in prison, and the LGBTQ+ community faces widespread discrimination and harassment.
However, the proposed amendment has also faced criticism from conservative groups and religious leaders in the country who argue that homosexuality goes against traditional values and religious teachings.
The Sri Lankan government’s announcement comes amid a growing global movement towards LGBTQ+ rights and the recognition of same-sex relationships. In recent years, several countries have legalized same-sex marriage, including Canada, Germany, Australia, and the United States.
In South Asia, LGBTQ+ rights have been a contentious issue, with many countries criminalizing same-sex relations and enshrining anti-LGBTQ+ discrimination into law. However, there have been some positive developments in recent years, including the decriminalization of homosexuality in India in 2018.
The Sri Lankan government’s announcement has been applauded by LGBTQ+ activists and human rights organizations, who have been advocating for decriminalization for years. However, there are concerns that the proposed amendment could face opposition in parliament, and there is a risk that it may not be passed.
Overall, the proposed decriminalization of homosexuality in Sri Lanka is a significant step towards equality and human rights for the LGBTQ+ community in the country. While there may be opposition, it is hoped that the Sri Lankan government will continue to push for the rights of all its citizens, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.