As a strong advocate for the sexual health and rights of the LGBTQIA+ community, Naz along with the Lawyer’s Collective spearheaded the 17 year legal battle against Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) which made Homosexuality a crime in India.
In 2001, Naz filed a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) to decriminalize homosexuality and rule down the 158 year old colonial law under Sec 377. Subsequently Naz was joined by other petitioners. On 6 September 2018 the Supreme Court gave the verdict that decriminalized Section 377 IPC putting an end to an archaic law that criminalized unnatural sex, including consensual sex between same-sex individuals. The bench apologized on behalf of the country to the people of the community, for the ills and wrongs they had to go through over a long period of time, and to redress the grievances of the community. Naz remains committed to striving towards an accepting and discrimination-free society.
Naz advocated for the rights of marginalised communities such as People Living with HIV and AIDS. Naz has filed a PIL to demand stigma and discrimination free, inclusive education opportunities for children living with HIV and AIDS.
ANJALI GOPALAN TALKS ABOUT #SECTION377 VERDICT
is Naz’s philosophy of keeping children in all of Naz’s programs safe and free from harm.
WE BELIEVE THAT:
All children have equal rights to protection from abuse and exploitation.
All children should be encouraged to reach their full potential and inequalities should be challenged.
Everybody (individuals and agencies) have a responsibility to support the care and protection of children.
If agencies work through partners they have a responsibility to meet minimum standards of protection for the children in their partner’s programmes.
Naz has strengthened its Child Protection Policy and established mechanisms for the prevention of violations, for reporting of violations and redressal of the same.
To keep children safe from harm, the children themselves are engaged. It is critical to focus on the children and build their understanding of their rights and their capacities to respond to any violations. They are leaders in child protection, having the skills and the voice and to stand up for their right to grow up in a safe and conducive environment and can realise their full potential.
Naz is increasingly working with stakeholders in Child Care and Education to create awareness on child protection and safeguarding of children in sport and in institutions.
Gulshan Thakur | YPI Peer Leader
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