Disclaimer: This information
on the situation of homosexuals all over the world may not be completely
accurate or up-to-date. The information is gathered on the Internet and
in other publications. If you have any additional information, corrections,
comments or suggestions, don't hesitate to contact me at
<never@heterosexual.com>
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Updated 98-05-11
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Information on the situation for homosexuals
in India:
Illegal / legal
India is the world's largest
democracy. As in many other Asian cultures, you cannot describe the situation
for homosexuals in India simply by the terms legal or illegal. The fact
remains, though, that Penal Code Section 377 clearly states that gay sex
is illegal, but lesbian sex is not mentioned. Homosexual contacts are,
however, at least as common here as in other cultures.
Pre-marital sexual contact
between men and women is very difficult. It is therefore quite common and
socially accepted for young men to have sex. It is often not defined as
sex, though, but masti - or "mischief". Sex is between a
husband and wife. Similar to the Arabs, Indian men doing the active part
of a sexual encounter are not condemned, whereas the passive partner is
not considered a "man". There are examples of socially accepted trasvestism
in India. Several organizations for gays and lesbians exist.
India is a huge subcontinent
with several cultures. It is very hard to do it justice by this short description.
I suggest you follow some of the links at the bottom of this page to find
out more. Vande.
If you have any further
information on the current situation in India, please contact
me.
Age of consent |
Male-Female |
Male-Male |
Female-Female |
India |
21 |
X |
? |
No information on the age of
consent for lesbians was found.
To view adult material in
India you have to be over 18.
Further information on the
situation in India can be found at:
Cultural
Constructions of Male Sexualities in India
The
Movie Khush - about homosexuality in Indian cultures
Gay,
Bi, Lesbian Groups in India
Hotwired
- Gay Travellers to India, Excellent information.
--
We
Are India
India
World
IndiaOnNet
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Statistics:
Republic, Asia
Area: 3,287,263 km²
Population: 920 mill.
Capital: New Delhi
Currency: rupi
National Holiday: Jan. 26 |
ISO 3166 Internet Country Code(s):
.in
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