PRESS RELEASE : UK celebrates pride with India’s LGBT+ community [September 2024]

The press release issued by the Foreign Office on 6 September 2024.

The British High Commission will host a reception today to mark the sixth anniversary of the landmark Section 377 judgement.

The judgement passed on 6 September 2018 by the Supreme Court of India decriminalised consensual sexual conduct between adults of the same sex.

The reception will see members of civil society, NGOs working on human rights, and diplomats of other international missions coming together to celebrate and advance the rights of the LGBT+ community.

Manvendra Singh Gohil, the crown prince of Rajpipla and founder-chairman of the Lakshaya Trust has been invited as the guest of honour.

Becks Buckingham, Minister Counsellor Political and Press, British High Commission, said:

LGBT+ rights are fundamental human rights, and the UK is committed to championing these rights internationally and supporting those who defend them. We recognise that there is still much to be done to ensure that all LGBT+ individuals feel safe and are treated equally and with respect. We take pride in continuing to work hand in hand with our partners to achieve this shared goal.

Prince Manvendra Singh Gohil, Chairman, Lakshaya Trust, said:

LGBT+ rights are human rights, and it was on 6th September 2018 that the historic judgment was given by the Honourable Supreme Court. I am honoured to join the British High Commission today to celebrate the sixth anniversary with supporters of LGBT+ rights from all walks of life. I always believe that it’s our supporters who can help us mainstream our issues in the society.

Further information

• the UK seeks a world where everyone is free and safe to play a full, active and equal part in society, without fear of violence, discrimination or stigma, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or sex characteristics. Our policy aims are:
  • ending violence, discrimination, and stigma
  • advancing human rights compliant laws and policies and defending against rollback of rights
  • enabling economic, cultural, and societal inclusion for all LGBT people to unlock potential and build our economies
  • supporting LGBT+ people in crisis and conflict
• the UK champions and supports grassroots LGBT+ organisations and human rights defenders globally through targeted programmes and direct engagement
• the UK has engaged in long-standing international collaboration on this topic. This includes our work we did as previous co-chairs of the Equal Rights Coalition (ERC) and European LGBTI Focal Points Network (EFPN) as well as being the current co-chairs of the ERC SDG group