LGBT rights in Sri Lanka
Homosexuality is illegal in Sri Lanka. Punishment ranges from a fine to 10 years in prison. In certain situations, cross-dressing is tolerated. Since the 1990s their have been public efforts made to advance the rights of LGBT Sri Lankans.
Criminal Law
Article 365A. Any person who in public or in private, commits, or is a party to the commission of, or procures or attempts to procure the commission by any person of, any act of gross indecency with another person, shall be guilty of an offense, and shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to two years or with fine or with both and where the offense is committed by a person over 18 years of age in respect of any person under 16 years of age shall be punished with rigorous imprisonment for a term not less than ten years and not exceeding twenty years and with a fine and shall also be ordered to pay compensation of an amount determined by court to the person in respect of whom the offense was committed for the injuries caused to such person [1].
Civil Rights
Sri Lanka does not have any civil rights laws that address discrimination or harassment on the basis of sexual orientation or gender identity. None of the political parties have formally endorsed any LGBT-rights proposals.
In 1995, "Companions on a Journey" was founded by a group of LGBT Sri Lankans to advance LGBT human rights. It was later joined by the "Womens Support Group" and "Equal Ground". The organizations have organized conferences, yearly pride festivals, promoted AIDS-HIV education and lobbied for LGBT civil rights, especially the reform of the anti-gay criminal law [2].
Family and Marriage
Sri Lanka does not reconize same-sex marriages or any similar civil union. It is unknown if a gay person or a same-sex couple would be allowed to formally adopt or have custody of children.
Transgender Issues
While their is some traditional transgender practices associated with certain rituals, transgender people are victims of harassment and dicrimination [3]. The term, "ponnaya" is a negative word often used against trangender people or effeminate men [4]. Oftentimes they are forced to become prostitutes, or find work as a “makeup experts” or to work in bridal or fashion stores [5].
Media
- Flying with one Wing (2002) - Asoka Handagama wrote and directed this film about a Sri Lankan woman who passes for a man in the society and in her personal relationships SodomyLaws: Sri Lanka.
References
 | This article about lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, or queer topics is a stub. You can help Wikipedia by expanding it. |