Madras HC against medical cure or change to LGBTIQAs' sexual orientation

Chennai, June 7 (IANS) The Madras High Court on Monday weighed against attempts to medically "cure" or change the sexual orientation of LGBTIQA people to heterosexual or the gender identity of transgender people to cisgender.

It also suggested action against professionals, involving themselves in any form or method of "conversion therapy", including withdrawal of license to practice.

The court also suggested conduct of awareness programmes for judicial officers at all levels in coordination with enlisted NGOs and community support and to provide suggestions/recommendations to ensure non-discrimination of persons belonging to the LGBTQIA (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, and Asexual and/or Ally) community.

Similarly, it called for sensitisation programmes for police on the rights of LGBTQIA community and to ensure transgender and gender-nonconforming prisoners are housed separately from cis-men prisoners to eliminate chances of sexual assault by the latter.

The court also suggested change in educational curricula and also sensitisation of the parents.