No intention to remove Section 377 says Union Law Minister Sadananda Gowda

Union Law Minister Sadananda Gowda has clarified that his remark on US Supreme Court’s verdict on same sex marriage has nothing that indicate his intention to abolish Section 377 and decriminalize homosexuality. The minister accused the media of misquoting him and said that "When I was asked about the judgment that was given by the US court, I said that it is not an easy task in our country. So, the people of that country might have accepted it but here it has to be widely debated. Only then can something be done. Otherwise, it is not an easy task. So, we have no idea of scrapping or doing anything about Section 377."

Speaking in the context of the wide support from Indian social media in favour of the US Supreme Court's historic decision legalizing gay marriages, the minister was quoted by Economic times (ET) saying, "The mood appears to be in favour of it. But it can be done only after widespread consultations and taking all views into account."

Regarding the bill on the Rights of Trangenders, Gowda speaking to ET said "That Bill has been passed by the Rajya Sabha (in April) and everyone supported it. If that Bill is passed by the Lok Sabha and becomes an Act, Section 377 will become irrelevant," These statements according to Mr Gowda has been interpreted by the media as his intention to abolish section 377 of IPC. "Of course, there was a debate with regards to the transgender issue on the floor of the House in the Rajya Sabha. That has been discussed and debated. Nothing else was said," Gowda added.