BANGALORE, India, — Tuesday, India’s Supreme Court upheld its ruling to criminalize sexual activities “against the order of nature,” including same-sex relationships. The decision occurs concurrently with talks being held by Selisse Berry, founder and CEO of Out & Equal Workplace Advocates, in Bangalore to discuss workplace equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.
The purpose of the cross-organizational meeting was to share best practices and create an action plan for next steps for safe and equitable workplaces. After the law passed, several LGBT employee resource groups were rumored to have closed. Some people who are openly LGBT at work shared that they are now feeling unsafe.
“Multinational companies with operations in India are scrambling to find a response that upholds their international values of nondiscrimination and inclusivity, while also being sensitive to the local legal situation. Out & Equal, which blends a deep understanding of the corporate mindset and a strong commitment to the long-term struggle for LGBT equality, is an invaluable voice at the table,” said LGBT activist Minal Hajratwala.
“While marriage rights for same-sex couples are advancing in the U.S. and around the world, the basic human rights of LGBT people are in danger in many countries across Asia and Africa. In the past sixty days, same-sex relationships have become illegal in Nigeria and India, and persecution in Russia andUganda has become a grave concern,” said Selisse Berry. “We have a duty and a responsibility as a community to stand up when we see injustice. I know that the partnership between Out & Equal, our corporate partners and local NGOs will advance equality for LGBT people here in India.”
Berry is also meeting with senior executives from major corporations operating in India to advocate for the ongoing support of LGBT employee resource groups and inclusive policies. The cross-organizational meeting was planned by a group of corporate executives participating in the Out & Equal Executive Forum, a multi-day conference convening LGBT executives to discuss issues facing the LGBT community in multi-national corporations.
