LGBTQ community celebrates SC verdict in Shillong

SHILLONG: A day after the Supreme Court decriminalized homosexuality in the country the LGBTQ community of Shillong came together on Friday to rejoice the verdict.

Initially the LGBTQ community wanted to hold their celebration at Khyndailad and had even fixed the timings at 4 pm. But at the eleventh hour the authorities refused to give them permission.

The letter signed by East Khasi Hills Deputy Commissioner Peter S Dkar states, “In view of the present law and order situation and also since the prayer was received in the eleventh hour, the prayer is not recommended.”

Finally, in the evening the community held an impromptu gathering at Don Bosco Square, Laitumkhrah.

A member of the LGBTQ community, Donna Marwein charged the society for being discriminatory towards them

even after the Supreme Court has struck down Article 377. “We will still fight for our own rights. We are excited so we are celebrating, “ he said.

Marwein specifically pointed out to the Church for being discriminatory towards them and are yet to accept them.

Another community member Vishal Blah said that they are trying to convince the Church to accept them.

“We have done a sensitization awareness programme with them,” Blah informed.

Blah said that after the Supreme Court had decriminalized homosexuality he expects the society to be sympathetic towards them.