Not many LGBT community members turn up for voting

Image
Press Trust of India New Delhi
Last Updated : Apr 10 2014 | 7:59 PM IST
Reflecting distrust in the electoral system, not many LGBT community members turned up to cast their vote in the national capital today.
The community is miffed with most of the local and national parties ignoring their issues in their manifestos, saying "parties have distanced themselves from their plight."
However, those who turned up at the polling booths were shadowed by indecisiveness.
"Last year, when AAP came in power we were optimistic that our issues would be addressed but we were shattered after witnessing their manifesto which is mute on our issues," said Apoorva Shivam of South Delhi who cast his vote today.
On the issue of amending section 377 of IPC, the community members feel that it was not backed by most of the national and local parties because of which they feel betrayed.
"They have not only betrayed us but they also broke their promises to amend the section 377 of the IPC. Their move to neglect us in their manifesto has left us with no other option but to neglect them too.
However, those who voted said they will take forward the battle for their rights and urge the new government to amend the law.
"It feels as if we don't at all exist as no one is bothered about our demands. But I am still hopeful that which ever party comes to power will take up our issue," said a member at Gole market polling station.
Last year Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of IPC 377, triggering an outrage among the activists and people belonging to the LGBT community.
India has an estimated 25 lakh gay population with a sizeable population residing in the National Capital, according to government data.
*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times

Smart Quarterly

₹900

3 Months

₹300/Month

SAVE 25%

Smart Essential

₹2,700

1 Year

₹225/Month

SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months

Super Saver

₹3,900

2 Years

₹162/Month

Subscribe

Renews automatically, cancel anytime

Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans

Exclusive premium stories online

  • Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors

Complimentary Access to The New York Times

  • News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic

Business Standard Epaper

  • Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share

Curated Newsletters

  • Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox

Market Analysis & Investment Insights

  • In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor

Archives

  • Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997

Ad-free Reading

  • Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements

Seamless Access Across All Devices

  • Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app

More From This Section

First Published: Apr 10 2014 | 7:59 PM IST

Next Story