Continuous effort needed to tackle deeply embedded prejudice against LGBTQ+ persons: Madras High Court

The Madras High Court was on Monday apprised of various steps taken to prevent harassment to LGBTQIA+ persons by the police as well as measures being taken to ensure a queer friendly future in media reportage. .Justice N Anand Venkatesh appreciated the efforts being taken on these aspects, but emphasised that the endeavour should continue to combat the deeply embedded prejudices against the LGBTQIA+ community. ."We are dealing with a situation where the deeply embedded prejudice has to be effaced and therefore, it requires continuous effort on the part of all the stakeholders," he observed. .On the measures taken to improve the situation when it comes to police officials, the Court was told that:Directions were issued to conduct sensitizations programmes by identifying the NGOs to give the training to police officials. In line with the Court's earlier direction on this aspect, a letter dated September 22, 2021 has been sent from the office of the Director-General of Police (DGP) to the State Home Department recommending an amendment in the Police Conduct Rules so that a specific clause is added to prevent the harassment of LGBTQIA+ persons and/or the activists and NGO workers. The incorporation of the clause was therefore under process. Awareness and sensitization programs are being added as an agenda in every meeting where the police personnel are given routine instructions. This way, they will be continuously sensitized about the issue..The State government also informed, inter alia, that they are coming up with a policy for the welfare of transgender persons. The judge also recorded that the Tamil Nadu State Judicial Academy has been conducting sensitization programs on a regular basis for judges. .Further, the State Legal Services Authority had also filed a report earlier explaining the legal literacy and awareness camps that have been conducted by District Legal services Authorities in Tamil Nadu. ."This Court expects that such awareness programs/ campus are organized on a regular basis, since such one time measures can never bring in a change," the Court said. .In so far as media reporting is concerned, the Additional Advocate General informed: A renowned newspaper has already arranged for a seminar on building a queer friendly future. They are in the process of developing material containing words and expressions that are to be used while reporting or writing about the LGBTQIA + community, the Court was told. It was also suggested that editors and reporters can be given formal training while reporting queer stories. Once such style guide is finalized, the same can be made use by everyone who is involved in news reporting. This will ensure that the persons belonging to the LGBTQIA + community are addressed with due respect and without usage of any demeaning words.."This Court appreciates the seriousness with which the State Government has taken up the issue seriously and this Court also expects that a report will be filed during the next date of hearing explaining the various steps taken by the State Government in this regard," the Court said..The Central government informed the Court the following: Financial assistance is being allocated to set up shelter homes (Garima Greh project) in the financial year 2020-21. Another support scheme dubbed the Support for Marginalised Individuals for Livelihood and Enterprise (SMILE) is also being formulated by the Union Ministry of Social Justice and Employment, it was submitted. An online training program to enable issuance of identity cards to transgender persons on a national portal for transgender persons by District Magistrate or Collectors is currently ongoing. Awareness programs for Integrated Child Development Services, Child Welfare Committees and Juvenile Justice Boards, District Magistrates/ Collectors, Police officials, Prison functionaries, Health officials and media professionals were conducted. The Central government and its departments will take all efforts to ensure that the persons belonging to the LGBTQIA + community are given their due recognition and they are accepted as a part of this society..The Court's earlier directions to change medical school curriculum to remove foolish notions of conversion therapy or cures for one's sexual orientation has been communicated to the National Medical Commission, it was submitted. .However, more time was sought to file a report on this aspect since the Commission is presently engaged in the conduct of NEET and medical college admissions..The order was passed in a case that began with a plea by a lesbian couple seeking protection from their relatives. Over the course of hearing the matter, the Court had issued several directions in an effort to further the welfare of LGBTQIA+ persons. .The matter will be heard next on December 6, when concerned stakeholders are expected to apprise the Court of their continuing efforts on the issue. .[Read Order].[Transgender Rights] Queerphobia being reaffirmed even in medical courses; need to revamp MBBS course: Madras High Court