Planning Commission’s proposal to combat AIDS irks “moral” Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram – The Indian Planning Commission’s proposal of legalizing homosexuality and prostitution in India’s efforts of combating HIV/AIDS has irked the moral police of Kerala, especially the Church–run agencies.

The proposal, “Empowerment of sex workers is the real antidote to the killer AIDS,” was welcomed by some government–sponsored agencies and non–government organizations (NGOs) but was denounced by social welfare agencies affiliated to the Church. The act, the latter bodies felt, would mean scrapping the Immoral Traffic Prevention (ITP) Act and would encourage promiscuity.

The ultimate result would be the crumbling of the society’s moral edifice, the Church–managed bodies said.

In its draft proposal of the 11th Plan, the Indian Planning Commission has made it clear that the burgeoning AIDS threat cannot be fought in the traditional way. The panel has recommended to the Union Government that sex work and homosexuality be legalised as an effective intervention.

“Legalising sex will lead to promiscuity and the Catholic Church is against it,” was the immediate reaction of the Syro Malabar Church. The Church, which runs nearly 25 percent of the AIDS rehabilitation centres in the country, has a major stake in the relief work carried out for AIDS patients in Kerala.

The Catholic Church has a clear perception about combating AIDS. They encourage abstinence and faithfulness to one’s spouse but are strongly against use of any form of contraceptives.

“A responsible government should play a pro–active role in enabling the people to lead a disciplined family life,” said Fr. Paul Thelekkatt, the official spokesperson of the Syro– Malabar Church.

Questioning the logic behind sanctifying sex work, Fr. Thomas K.D., director of the Changanacherry–based ‘Atma Kendra,’ a Church–run AIDS rehabilitation center, said, “Giving legal sanctity to sex work and homosexuality is against Christian visions. For Christianity, the basics of sexual activity are Life and Love.”

“The Church is against ‘crimes’ but is committed to taking care of its victims compassionately,” he added.

Some social activists are also against the proposal as they feel that legalizing prostitution will mean giving in to the larger agenda of those who champion globalization.

“We are against legalising promiscuity. First of all, sex is not a work. If the government makes any move to legalise sex work, it could be seen as a larger agenda by the champions of globalisation,” said social activist, K Ajitha.

“The market forces have identified India as a major hub of sex tourism. By advocating the legalisation of promiscuity, the advocates of globalisation and the market forces are trying to spread their tentacles in India,” she said.

“We are totally against it, and will put up a stiff fight against it,” she added.