Re: NACO affidavit in the matter of NAZ Foundation VsGovernment of NCT and others

[Guest guest]

Dear FORUM,

I don't care how sceptic the reactions of many members of the Gay and other

sexual minority community members are to this affidavit from NACO but it is

certainly a very bold step in our fight to get reach out to the core populations

finally accepted as high risk groups by NACO.

It therefore must be welcomed in all good faith as the first step by NACO in

falling in line with its own HIV prevention programs. We understand that lip

service has to be paid to " Indian traditions " and to the American big brother

with his ABC whip, but kudos to NACO, especially that brave lady Sujatha Rao and

her team, for stepping out and reaching into the very heart of the high risk

behavioral dilemmma that we have faced right from the beginning.

Having said that, let there be no illusions that the fight is long and the goal

is far away. But it must not be said anymore that the mighty Government of this

country which says it represents all of us, is finally lumbering in the right

direction.

Cheers to Sujatha Rao and that tiny little NACO team.

Ashok Row Kavi

Humsafar Trust

Mumbai metro

E-MAIL: <arowkavi@...>

[Guest guest]

Dear Forum Members,

We at The Naz Foundation (India) Trust are very grateful to Ms. Sujata Rao and

her team at NACO for responding to the courts request. This is the first time

in years that NACO has taken a stand. It is heartening to see that they are

responding and acknowledging the need to address issues related to MSM and the

negative impact of Section 377 in the context of increasing HIV infections.

Regards

Anjali Gopalan

Executive Director

The Naz Foundation (India) Trust

A-86 East of Kailash

New Delhi - 110065

Telefax: 011-26910499/51325042

e-mail: <anjaligopalan@...>

[Guest guest]

Dear Forum Members,

First I would like to congratulate Ms. Sujatha Rao and her team from NACO for the Affidavit.

This response to the court request is encouraging . It was long overdue

to address issues arising out of article 377 and its impact on increasing HIV infections in the country.

This step taken will go a long way in contributing towards prevention of HIV/AIDS in India

Civil society is grateful to Ms. Sujatha Rao.

Dr.S.I.Ahmed; Monaliv Clinic AIDS Research Centre Zoo Narangi Road, Guwahati - 781021, Assam, India

Tel.: + 91-361-2410992, + 91-94351 13618

Fax : +91-361-2419167

e-mail: siahmed60@...

http://www.apsindia.org/

[Guest guest]

Dear All,

I am very delighted to go through the responses of Naz, Humsafar and various

people and organizations commited to ensuring a rights perspective for the

sexuality minorities in particular and containment of HIV/AIDS in general.

Quite expectedly the articulations endorse the views and are in accodance with

the feelings of all the stakeholders (including me) with whom I have interacted

after this extremely positive development.

Dr.Rajesh Gopal,MD

Joint Director,

Gujarat State AIDS Control Society(GSACS),

O/1Block,New Mental Hospital Complex,

Meghaninagar, Ahmedabad,

Gujarat. PIN 380016

Phone (O) 079-22680211--12--13,22685210 Fax 079-22680214

e-mail: <dr_rajeshg@...>

[Guest guest]

Dear All

I wish to add that NACO's response is welcomed by all of us primarily because it

has been the first time someone from the Govt. openly admitted in writing that

Sec. 377 IPC impedes HIV/AIDS prevention work.

Earlier, the govt hid behind " prevention of child sexual abuse " to keep Sec. 377

IPC. Since they are contemplating changes in rape laws including its definition,

it would be relevant to include child sexual abuse including rape of boys / men

under the rape laws.

This change in the rape laws, if brought about, can thus effectively prove sec

377 IPC as rudendant and pave way for its repealment.

Kudos to NACO and specifically to its Director Ms. Sujatha Rao.

Sreeram

Sreeram Varadadesikan

e-mail: <setlurs01@...>