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PM Modi Faces Backlash After Tweeting About Orlando Massacre
Prime Minister Modi faces accusations of hypocrisy after expressing sympathy for the people who lost their lives at Pulse Orlando.
A single gunman opened fire at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, on June 12th, killing 49 people and wounding 53 others. This attack was the deadliest shooting, and the most devastating act of violence against the LGBT community, in US history.
Some of the Victims of the Orlando Nightclub Shooting
Photo Credit: www.dianaplay.com
The loss of innocent lives was felt all over the world as sympathy poured in for the victims' families. Along with the Royal British family, India's Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to Twitter to express his condolences.
Shocked at the shootout in Orlando, USA. My thoughts & prayers are with the bereaved families and the injured.
— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) June 12, 2016
However in India, homosexuality is a criminal offence punishable by law. Indian Penal Code Section 377 forbids what it calls "carnal intercourse against the order of nature," punishing homosexuality a fine and 10 years in prison.
Gay rights activists are challenging Modi to revoke Section 377 and back up the sentiment behind his tweet.
Orlando about many things- ISIS motivated radicals, hate against Gays, gun lobbies. Our empathy more meaningful if we at least scrap 377
— barkha dutt (@BDUTT) June 13, 2016
More Twitter users replied to Modi's tweet.
@narendramodi you do that, you don't have a right to show solidarity with the community in Orlando. #scrap377
— Rachita (@visualfumble) June 13, 2016
@narendramodi It is so easy to console with America, but do nothing about 377 in your own country. Why so?
— Vivek Tejuja (@vivekisms) June 13, 2016
The law was laid in 1860 when the British ruled India. In 2009, sex between two consenting adults was decriminalized, but the judgement was overturned by the Supreme Court of India in 2013.
Currently, the final hearing of curative petitions has been submitted and is pending review by a five-member constitutional bench. This process gives the LGBT community hope, but for now, homosexuality remains a criminal offence in India.
Main Image Photo Credit: www.pbs.org
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Naemah Abid
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Born in Saudi Arabia and originally from Pakistan, this Canadian immigrant is all too familiar with airport life. After taking her first pleasure trip abroad post-graduation, Naemah was hit with the travel bug. Find this frequent traveller sharing pictures and experiences, offering up advice and tra...
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