Some Americans think opposition to Obama’s policies is based on racism

Washington, Sep. 18 (ANI): Some Americans, including former President Jimmy Carter, believe that those who are opposing US President Barrack Obama’s policies have a racial element against him instead of simple disagreement.

According to a recent Fox News poll, 65 percent Americans think that opposition to Obama’s policies is based on honest disagreements, while 20 percent say it is mostly motivated by racism.

However, Black voters are twice as likely to say the opposition is motivated by race, with 63 percent citing racism as the reason for opposition and 27 percent say it is based on honest disagreements.

Most white voters (71 percent) say the opposition comes from honest disagreements.

Most Republicans (87 percent) and independents (69 percent) believe that opposition to Obama’s policies is based on honest disagreements, while 48 percent Democrats say honest disagreements and 34 percent say it is motivated by racism, the poll found.

Opinion Dynamics Corp. conducted the national telephone poll of 900 registered voters with a 3-point margin of error.

The poll also found that 54 percent of Americans think Obama is a “new kind” of politician, while a large 39 percent minority says he is a “typical” politician.

As for Obama’s handling of health care, 44 percent approved and 48 percent disapproved.

Obama received better ratings on his handling of the economy (55 percent approve) and on the war in Afghanistan (51 percent).

By a wide 60 percent to 27 percent margin, Americans think the country has become more divided rather than more united since Obama took office in January, the poll found. (ANI)

Missing Hindu nurse’s parents’ pleas in Pak falling on deaf ears

Karachi, Sep.18 (ANI): Family members of the Hindu nurse, Bano, who disappeared from Karachi last month under mysterious circumstances, have urged the government to step into the issue and direct the concerned authorities to pursue the matter seriously to find out her whereabouts.

Bano’s uncle and the head of the Hindu Maheshwari community, Narain Das feared that her niece could have been killed or forced to convert her religion.

“The incidents of kidnapping our community girls’ have recently increased alarmingly and despite our repeated protests and approaches to the higher authorities, nothing has so far been done to protect the community members. Kidnappers have recently kidnapped several girls as young as thirteen and fourteen years old,” Das said.

The police has arrested Gulzar, who worked with Bano in the hospital, but failed to gather any substantial report regarding her whereabouts.

Gulzar has told officials that Bano has accepted Islam and married her boyfriend Jaffer, but Bano’s parents fear she has been murdered.

When enquired about the issue, Provincial Minister for Minority Affairs Dr Mohan Lal said he would look into matter and issue guidelines to concerned authorities.

“I would personally talk to the police authorities and will ensure her release as soon as possible,” The Daily Times quoted Lal, as saying. (ANI)

Women lawmakers outperform male counterparts, says study

Washington, Sep.16 (ANI): A study conducted by Stanford University and the University of Chicago reaerchers has concluded that women lawmakers in Congress introduce more bills, attract more co-sponsors and bring home more money for their districts than their male counterparts do.

The study, accessed by Politico, examined the performance of House members between 1984 and 2004, and found that women delivered roughly nine percent more discretionary spending for their districts than men.

While there are obviously variables beyond gender – seniority, party affiliation, majority/minority status and the differing priorities of a freshman and a veteran lawmaker – the researchers say they’ve accounted for those in making their male-to-female comparisons.

The researchers also found that women introduced more legislation than men who served in their same districts, often hitting the ground running in their first terms.

“We find that, on average, women sponsor about three bills more per Congress per term than their male counterparts. They co-sponsor more bills than other members, and they also obtain more co-sponsors for their own bills,” said one of the researchers.

Since 1789, women have constituted just two percent of the total congressional population. The ratio of female to male representatives has increased in recent years, but the pace is still fairly glacial: Nearly 17 percent of House members are women today, compared with about 3 percent in 1979.

Researchers say the small number of female members may have something to do with their effectiveness. Women who run and win are likely the most politically ambitious and talented of their pool, having potentially overcome hurdles including voter bias and self-doubt about their ability to win.

Female candidates also tend to attract more challengers. Politically eligible women tend to doubt their ability to get elected and raise money more than men do, multiple studies have indicated.

Once women get to Capitol Hill, those hurdles may drive them to perform better, on average, than male counterparts who have faced a less contentious road. (ANI)

Miscreants attacks church in Bangalore

Bangalore, Sep 10 (ANI): Some unidentified miscreants attacked the St. Francis de Sales Church in Hebbagudi on Hosur road in the outskirts of Bangalore, breaking over 10 window glasses and destroying the statues of Mother Mary and Jesus Christ in the early hours of Thursday.

According to sources, about 25 miscreants forcefully entered the St. Francis Church that was spread over two acres of land, at around 3.a.m.

Thousands of people gathered in the church premises after learning about the incident.

“We want justice from the government and the concerned authorities, so that no Indian citizen can hound the freedom to practice one’s own religion and everybody can live safely and securely. We want the security. These unwanted elements should not go on spoiling the peace and security of Indian citizens,” said Father Aronnis, Chief Priest of St. Francis De Sales Church.

The protesters also stalled the traffic on Hosur – Bangalore high way. After the mediation of Superintendent of Police (Bangalore Rural) Dr. Mahesh, and the BJP MLA of Anekal constituency, Narayanswamy, the agitators allowed the traffic to flow.

Meanwhile, Karnataka Pradesh Congress Committee (KPCC) Chief R.V.Deshpande critisied the state government for failing to give protection to minority community and demanded for an investigation by the Cops of Detectives (CoD) over the incident.

The Bangalore Rural Police have registered a case based on the complaint given by the church authorities and conducting the investigations (ANI)

1 in 3 teenage girls in UK has suffered sexual abuse by their boyfriends

London, Sep 1 (ANI): One in three girls in their teens has been a victim of sexual abuse at the hands of a boyfriend, while one in four has suffered violence in a relationship, according to an in-depth study.

Conducted by the NSPCC and Bristol University, the survey of 1,353 teenage girls and boys questioned across the UK, found that 90 percent of girls in the age group of 13-17 had been in an intimate relationship.

A similar number of boys had also been in relationships.

The research found that 25 percent of girls had suffered physical violence in some form or the other, including being slapped, punched or beaten by their boyfriends.

For the study, the investigators questioned 91 young people at length.

Among the girls, one in six said that they had been pressured into having sex, and one in 16 claimed that they had been raped.

Other participants said that they had been pressured or forced to kiss or intimately touch their boyfriends.

A small minority of the boys – one in 17 – reported being pressured or forced into sexual activity, and almost one in five suffered physical violence in a relationship.

A large number of girls said that they felt they had to put up with the abuse because they felt scared or guilty, or feared they would lose their boyfriend.

According to the NSPCC, having an older boyfriend placed young girls at a higher risk of abuse, with three-quarters of them saying they had been victims.

Even young women from a family where an adult had been violent towards them were also at greater risk.

For boys, having a violent group of friends actually made it more likely that they would become a victim, or be a perpetrator of violence, in a relationship.

“The high rate and harmful impact of violence in teenagers’ intimate relationships, especially for girls, is appalling,” the Guardian quoted Professor David Berridge, of Bristol University, one of the authors of the report, as saying.

“It was shocking to find that exploitation and violence in relationships starts so young. This is a serious issue that must be given higher priority by policymakers and professionals,” he added.

The report reminds schools of the need to raise awareness of relationships where there is harmful, controlling and abusive behaviour.It has also recommended that anti-bullying groups at school should tackle violent relationships and that child protection professionals should consider teenagers who are in intimate relationships, especially girls with older boyfriends.

Diane Sutton, head of policy and public affairs at the NSPCC suggested that parents and schools could perform a vital role in teaching children about loving and safe relationships and what to do if they are suffering from violence or abuse. (ANI)

Pakistanis outraged over Minority Affairs Ministry’s failed promises

Karachi, Aug. 30 (ANI): Pakistan’s Minority Affairs ministry has left many people outraged after they found out that cheques distributed to them by the ministry were not worth 5,000 rupees as claimed, but just 1,000 rupees.

On Saturday, 200 people from different communities had gathered at Sindh Minister for Minority Affairs Dr Mohan Lal’s office to receive the cheques while chanting slogans in his favour, the Daily Times reports.

Addressing the distribution ceremony, Lal had said that his ministry is trying to help the religious minorities and these cheques were a part of the first phase of offering relief while similar projects are in the pipeline.owever, one such claimant Kaishi complained that she was told by the bank authorities that the cheque was not for 5,000-rupees.

“He (Lal) clearly told us that the cheques are worth Rs 5,000 each but we were actually given cheques worth Rs 1,000 only and those can also just be cashed at the bank in Hyderabad,” said Kaishi.

An outraged Kaisi soon found out that the ministry had fooled all the other cheque receivers as well, most of whom were widows.

“We need almost Rs 1,000 just to get to Hyderabad to cash the cheque besides we were told that these cheques were worth Rs 5,000,” said Gomi, another widow from Jogi Moar Colony.

These women had walked to the minister of minority affairs’ office almost every day for a year so that they may get some sort of financial assistance from the ministry and every time they were sent home empty handed with a lot of promises.

On being contacted, Lal’s casually said that these women would be compensated during the next phase.

“Actually we had already distributed a huge amount and there were not enough funds to issue cheques worth 5,000 rupees to these women,” he added. (ANI)

Minorities Development Finance Corporation to have 1000 crores share capital

New Delhi, Aug 27 (ANI): The Union Cabinet today accorded approval for increasing the authorized share capital of the National Minorities Development Finance Corporation (NMDFC) from Rs.850 crores to Rs.1000 crores.

The share of the Government of India, the State Governments and individuals/institutions will be Rs.650 crores Rs.260 crores and Rs.90 crores respectively.

The NMDFC is a not for profit company, registered under Section 25 of the Companies’ Act with share contribution from the Government of India (65 per cent), the State Governments (26 per cent) and individuals/institutions (9 per cent).

It provides financial assistance to people belonging to minorities living below double the poverty line for self-employment.

The NMDFC is greatly dependent on Central equity contribution. The enhanced authorised share capital will enable the Central Government release its full budgetary provision of Rs.125 crores towards equity of NMDFC in 2009-10.

The equity contribution from the Government of India, together with contribution from the State Governments and individuals/institutions and also the recovery of loans from beneficiaries will be spent for providing term loans and micro finance through State Channelizing Agencies (SCAs) and for providing micro finance through NGOs.

The NMDFC also provides educational loans and has promotional schemes like vocational training.

NMDFC’s schemes are targeted for economic upliftment of people from minority communities living below double the poverty line through self employment.

The budgetary provision of Rs.125 crores will be released to the NMDFC by way of equity contribution of the Central Government during 2009-10.

As per the Memorandum of Understanding between the Government of India and the NMDFC, 66,000 beneficiaries are to be covered during 2009-10.

NMDFC’s schemes envisage to cover minority communities in the entire country through State Channelizing Agencies and NGOs.

As on March 31, the NMDFC has disbursed an amount of Rs.1190.84 crores covering 4,34,329 beneficiaries belonging to the minority communities through their term loan and micro finance schemes. (ANI)

BJP announces list for assembly by elections

New Delhi, Aug 22 (ANI): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) on Saturday announced the list of candidates to the by elections to be held at four states of Bihar, Delhi, Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh.

Party General Secretary Ananth Kumar released the list of 11 candidates to the media in the national capital.

Kumar said party’s central election committee has authorized party president Rajnath Singh to decide the candidates for remaining six seats of Bodha Gaya, Begusarai, Aurai, and Bihar, Tendukeva in Madhya Pradesh and Jasden and Danta in Gujarat.

The BJP nominated party’s Minority Morcha National Secretary Mohd Irfan Ahmed for the Ohkhla seat in Delhi State Assembly.

The list stated:

Delhi – Dwaraka _ Pradyumna Singh Rajput, Okhla – Mohmd Irfan hmed

Bihar: Wahishwar Nagar (Reserve) Sanjay Paswan, Ramgarsh – Abhay ingh, Chinpur-Brij Kishore Bind,

Gujarat : Dhoraji – Jaisukhbhai Tesia, Kodihar- Natwar Singh Wala, Chotila-Varshmbhai Khurani, Sami -Bhairosingh Rathore, Dehagaon – Kalyan Singh Chouhan,

Madhya Pradesh Gohad- Sur Jatav Master (ANI)

Minorities’ Protection Bill to be tabled in National Assembly

Islamabad, Aug 18(ANI): Pakistan’s Minorities Affairs Minister Shahbaz Bhatti has said that a bill aimed at addressing the concerns of the minorities would soon be tabled in the National Assembly.

Bhatti said that a draft of the bill would be finalised after consultation with all political parties, representatives of minorities, Islamic scholars and other stakeholders.

“The discriminatory laws against minorities, which were incorporated into the Constitution during Gen Zia’s regime would be amended through the bill,” The Dawn quoted Bhatti, as saying.

He further said that Gen Zia had framed laws, which were violating democratic norms and basic human rights and negated the vision of Quaid-i-Azam Muhammad Ali Jinnah.

Bhatti highlighted that the current law makes the minority communities feel deprived, neglected and insecure and not getting equal rights and opportunities in accordance with the vision of Jinnah.

He said the proposed bill would promote inter-faith harmony and strengthen national unity. (ANI)

Cricket can make you a nicer person: Researchers

London, Aug.18 (ANI): Cricket is still a civilizing influence on the people that play it, as it helps to bring down racial barriers, reconnect previously marginalised pupils with education, and improves school discipline.

These are the findings of an evaluation by researchers at Loughborough University into StreetChance – a three-year project aimed at bringing cricket into disadvantaged communities.

The scheme has only been operating in 10 London boroughs and reached about 7,000 schoolchildren, two-thirds of whom are from ethnic minority groups.

It will be extended to other communities next year including Birmingham and Dewsbury in West Yorkshire, The Independent reports.

Today’s report says weekly StreetChance sessions have “provided a diversionary activity for youngsters and prevented them from ‘hanging about’ the streets or getting bored at home”. (ANI)

Positive parental attitude can help stop child obesity epidemic

Washington, Aug 9 (ANI): An eminent obesity expert has said that parents can help to prevent obesity in children by helping them with their eating habits and building a healthy body image.

According to Edward Abramson, PhD and professor emeritus at California State University, parents can ward off obesity by getting their children to eat better food and exercise.

Dr. Abramson said childhood obesity has increased fourfold in the last 40 years, which may make today’s children to become the first generation to have a shorter lifespan than their parents.

Speaking at the American Psychological Associations’ 117th Annual Convention, the expert said that in the last decade, “we’ve seen a [tenfold] increase in Type-2 diabetes and psychological and social consequences, such as prejudice, rejection, discrimination and low self-esteem in children…More than 60 percent of overweight children have one risk factor for cardiovascular disease and 20 percent have two or more risk factors.”

Abramson said, “emotional eating” or eating when one is not hungry may trigger off obesity.

“This can lead to a weight problem or an eating disorder,” he added. “Parents’ attitudes and behaviours also have an influence on children’s eating, and mothers more than fathers affect children’s eating habits and body image.”

He noted that multiple factors contribute to a mother’s concern for her child’s weight problems.

“For example, there is evidence that minority parents (e.g., African-American, Hispanic) are less concerned about their children’s weight…. Often, when a mother is struggling with her own weight, she becomes more involved in regulating her daughter’s eating. In general, mothers are more concerned than fathers about their child’s weight, especially their daughter’s, and are more likely to restrict foods,” the expert added.

According to Abramson children are genetically coded with a tongue for sweet and salty tastes.

“For these children, it may take several repetitions (10 or more) to have a child try a new food, but parents should retreat gracefully and try again another day rather than get into a battle of wills when the child refuses a food,” he said.

He also spelled out a way to get children to try out new and healthy foods.

“If the child is in the kitchen cooking with Mom or Dad, it’s unlikely that he/she will refuse the food that they’ve helped prepare, ” he added.

Abramson pointed out that physical activity could prevent children to gain extra flab even if there is a familial tendency to gain weight. (ANI)

Obesity linked to increased risk of rapid cartilage loss

Washington, July 14 (ANI): A new study has shown that obesity, among other factors, is strongly associated with an increased risk of rapid cartilage loss.

Tibio-femoral cartilage is a flexible connective tissue that covers and protects the bones of the knee. Cartilage damage can occur due to excessive wear and tear, injury, misalignment of the joint or other factors, including osteoarthritis (the most common form of arthritis).

In osteoarthritis, the cartilage breaks down and, in severe cases, can completely wear away, leaving the joint without a cushion. The bones rub together, causing further damage, significant pain and loss of mobility.

The best way to prevent or slow cartilage loss and subsequent disability is to identify risk factors early.

“Osteoarthritis is a slowly progressive disorder, but a minority of patients with hardly any osteoarthritis at first diagnosis exhibit fast disease progression,” said the study’s lead author, Frank W. Roemer, M.D., adjunct associate professor at Boston University and co-director of the Quantitative Imaging Center at the Department of Radiology at Boston University School of Medicine.

“So we set out to identify baseline risk factors that might predict rapid cartilage loss in patients with early knee osteoarthritis or at high risk for the disease,” Dr. Roemer added.

The researchers recruited patients from the Multicenter Osteoarthritis (MOST) Study, a prospective study of 3,026 people, age 50 – 79, at risk for osteoarthritis or with early x-ray evidence of the disease.

Dr. Roemer’s study consisted of 347 knees in 336 patients. The patient group was comprised of 65.2 percent women, mean age 61.2, with a mean BMI of 29.5, which is classified as overweight. Recommended BMI typically ranges from 18.5 to 25. Only knees with minimal or no baseline cartilage damage were included.

Of 347 knees selected for the study, 20.2 percent exhibited slow cartilage loss over the 30-month follow-up period and 5.8 percent showed rapid cartilage loss.

Rapid cartilage loss was defined by a whole organ magnetic imaging score of at least 5, indicating a large full thickness loss of 75 percent in any subregion of the knee during the follow-up period.

The results showed that the top risk factors contributing to rapid cartilage loss were baseline cartilage damage, high BMI, tears or other injury to the meniscus (the cartilage cushion at the knee joint) and severe lesions seen on MRI at the initial exam. Other predictors were synovitis (inflammation of the membrane that lines the joints) and effusion (abnormal build-up of joint fluid).

Excess weight was significantly associated with an increased risk of rapid cartilage loss. No other demographic factors-including age, sex and ethnicity-were associated with rapid cartilage loss.

“As obesity is one of the few established risk factors for osteoarthritis, it is not surprising that obesity may also precede and predict rapid cartilage loss,” Dr. Roemer said.
he study has been published in the August issue of Radiology. (ANI)

Bush’s court appointments emphasized ideology over diversity

Washington, July 12 (ANI): A new analysis has indicated that the judicial appointments of former president George W. Bush suggest that his motivation for appointing nontraditional judges was driven more by ideology and strategy than concerns for diversity.

The analysis was done by Jennifer Segal Diascro, a professor of government at American University’s School of Public Affairs, and Rorie Spill Solberg, a professor of political science at Oregon State University.

The examination of all the federal judicial appointments during the two terms of his presidency shows that Bush did make a number of diverse appointments, especially Hispanics, but the overall number of minority judges in the federal courts did not increase during his tenure.

“Bush cared about diversity, but it was not his first priority,” Diascro said. “We suspect that he had many Hispanic conservatives from whom to choose when filling vacancies on the bench, yet he chose to appoint traditional candidates instead,” she added.
ccording to the analysis, when compared with all presidents since Jimmy Carter, Bush maintained the status quo in appointing nontraditional judges to the bench.

He appointed more men (78 percent overall) than women (22 percent) and more Caucasians (82 percent) than minorities (18 percent).

When comparing total appointments, the study found that Bush appointed more white females (50) than Carter (32), Ronald Reagan (27) or George H.W. Bush (31), but fewer than Bill Clinton (83).

He appointed more Hispanic females (12) than Clinton (5), but fewer African American females (8 compared to 15) than Clinton.

Like Carter, Reagan, and George H.W. Bush, George W. Bush often appointed minorities to seats for political gain or for ideological purposes, Spill Solberg explained.

“There is a tendency, and we see this across the political spectrum, to use bench appointments to gain clout with certain voters,” said Diascro.

“The Bush administration was actively courting the Hispanic vote, so it isn’t surprising that he made more appointments of Hispanic judges than African Americans, but it was often also based on judicial philosophy,” she added.

According to Diascro, “Not so for African Americans. By the time Bush left office, the proportion of seats on the court of appeals held by African Americans had increased by only half a percent.”

“Replacement patterns are key to understanding efforts to increase diversity on the bench,” she said.

“Presidents may appoint a number of nontraditional judges, as President Bush did, but if their appointments maintain the status quo and don’t add nontraditional judges, then their impact is less than it could be,” she added. (ANI)

Dalai Lama urges China to exercise restrain in dealing with ethnic tension

Dharamsala, July 9(ANI): Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Thursday asked the Chinese government to exercise restraint in dealing with the ethnic violence in Urumqi, the capital of China’s Xinjiang Uighurs province, which has claimed 156 lives and left thousands injured.

“I am deeply saddened and concerned with the worsening situation in East Turkistan (Xinjiang), especially with the tragic loss of lives. I earnestly urge the Chinese authorities to exercise restraint in dealing with the situation in a spirit of understanding and far-sightedness,” said Thubten Samphel, spokesperson of the Tibetan government-in-exile while reading the message of the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala.

“I offer my prayers for those who lost their lives, their families and others affected by this sad turn of events,” he added.

About 1,434 people have been arrested in the unrest between Han Chinese and Muslim Uighurs since Sunday in Urumqi.

It is being feared that demonstrations and rioting could break out in other parts of the vast region, especially in areas which are heavily populated by minority Muslim Uighurs. (ANI)

Dalai Lama urges China to exercise restrain in dealing with ethnic tension

Dharamsala, July 9(ANI): Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama on Thursday asked the Chinese government to exercise restraint in dealing with the ethnic violence in Urumqi, the capital of China’s Xinjiang Uighurs province, which has claimed 156 lives and left thousands injured.

“I am deeply saddened and concerned with the worsening situation in East Turkistan (Xinjiang), especially with the tragic loss of lives. I earnestly urge the Chinese authorities to exercise restraint in dealing with the situation in a spirit of understanding and far-sightedness,” said Thubten Samphel, spokesperson of the Tibetan government-in-exile while reading the message of the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala.

“I offer my prayers for those who lost their lives, their families and others affected by this sad turn of events,” he added.

About 1,434 people have been arrested in the unrest between Han Chinese and Muslim Uighurs since Sunday in Urumqi.

It is being feared that demonstrations and rioting could break out in other parts of the vast region, especially in areas which are heavily populated by minority Muslim Uighurs. (ANI)

Family history may help predict severity of mental disease

Washington, July 7 (ANI): Researchers from Duke Institute for Genome Sciences and Policy (IGSP) have revealed that family history can play a vital role in predicting the severity of mental disorder.

They suggest that just 30 minutes or less of question-and-answer about the family history of depression, anxiety, or substance abuse is enough to predict a patient’s approximate risks for developing each disorder, and how severe their future illness is likely to be.

“There are lots of kids with behaviour problems who may outgrow them on their own without medication, versus the minority with mental illnesses that need treatment,” said Terrie Moffitt, a professor of psychology and neuroscience in the IGSP.

“Family history is the quickest and cheapest way to sort that out,” she added.

Co-researcher Avshalom Caspi, professor of psychology and neuroscience, added that researchers searching for genes responsible for mental disorders might also take advantage of the discovery.

During the study, the researchers examined 981 New Zealanders, who were a part of Dunedin Study.

They tested each individual’s personal experience with depression, anxiety, alcohol dependence and drug dependence in relation to their family history “scores” – the proportion of their grandparents, parents and siblings over age 10 who were affected.

The analysis shows that family history can predict a more recurrent course of each of the four disorders. It is also indicative of those more likely to suffer a worse impairment and to make greater use of mental health services.

Family history could be used to identify those in need of early intervention or more aggressive treatment.

The findings appear in the Archives of General Psychiatry. (ANI)

“Bollywood supports gay rights,” says Celina Jaitley

Mumbai, June 29(ANI): Bollywood actress and gay rights activist Celina Jaitley has said on Monday that Bollywood industry is in favour of the amendment of the controversial Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC), which terms homosexuality as a criminal offence.

Jaitley also said that many people from Bollywood and elsewhere in the country would come out openly if the Union Government repeals the Section 377 of IPC.

“Bollywood is very supportive and the day this article (section) is repealed, I am sure many people will come out openly in support of that and there are a lot of people in our industry who are from the sexual minority and they have given a lot to our industry,” said Celina Jaitley.

She further said that the people generally do not support the cause openly since there is no prevailing law to protect them.

“If the Article (Section) 377 is amended, then many people will come out in support. How would people come out in support of the activity, which doesn’t have the support of the law? Who will protect the people? I don’t blame anyone for not supporting. People fear to support such an act, when there is no law to protect them,” Celina Jaitley added.

The Union Home Ministry had earlier argued before the High Court that homosexuality is not accepted by Indian society and repealing Section 377 from the IPC would encourage more anti-social activities.

Section 377 of the IPC criminalises ‘carnal intercourse’ against the order of nature. (ANI)

Sultan of Perak applauds Malay-Sikh community’s spirit

Kuala Lumpur, June 29 (ANI): The Sultan of the Malaysian state of Perak, Azlan Shah, has saluted the Malay-Sikh community for its contributions to the country’s economic, cultural and political fields.

“They form an invaluable and integral part of our colourful social fabric and deserve due recognition for their contribution, as much as any other citizen, to Malaysia’s economic, cultural and political life,” The Star quoted Sultan Azlan Shah, as saying.

Speaking at the launch of a book titled ‘Sikh Community in Malaysia’, Sultan Azlan Shah applauded the way the Sikhs have managed to retain their distinct cultural identity, despite being a minority.

He said their strong religious beliefs, cultural practices and strong sense of community had undeniably afforded them resilience and distinction.

Sikhs made their entry into Malaysia in the 19th century and quickly became known for their gallantry in the security forces, he noted.

“Today, the community’s role and influence extends to other fields, with prominence in professions such as medicine and law,” Sultan Azlan said.

Later, Information, Communications and Culture Minister Dr Rais Yatim told reporters that the ministry would work to highlight the cultural heritage of other minority communities.

“We may start a series of shows on RTM highlighting the cultural and musical background of the Sikh community next week,” he added. (ANI)

Gay community stages rally in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar, June 28 (ANI): People belonging to sexual minorities staged a rally in Bhubaneswar demanding their rights.

Gays, lesbians, transgender and bisexuals put up plays and also took to streets to participate in the ‘Rainbow Pride Walk’ to make people aware about their plight.

“The reason for organising this rally is that people look down upon us in the society. There is a stigma attached to sexual minorities in our society. We want to live with respect,” said Tulu.

Members of the sexual minority community said they wanted the society to treat them with respect and wanted equal rights like any other citizen.

“The purpose is to make people aware that the society in India, in Orissa, in Bhubaneswar, – wherever lesbians, gays, bisexuals, transgender are, – every where, they have equal rights like any other citizen of this country. India is a democratic country. We have the right to express our problems, our concerns to larger society and we expect the civil society, the private sector and even the NGO sector to understand our problems better,” said Pawan Dhall, organiser of the march.

The ‘Rainbow Pride Walk’ held annually aims to draw sexual orientation, gender identity and associated sexual health issues into the larger human rights movement in the country.

It draws its inspiration from the Stonewall Riots held in New York, USA in June 1969.

The riots occurred as a mark of protest by sexual minorities in the US against police harassment that was a daily feature of their lives in those days and sparked off what can be said to be the modern movement for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender rights in the West. (ANI)