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He said bombarding Sri Lanka with marriage benefits for same-sex couples at this level would not be wise but a discussion on basic rights of gay people could be considered appropriate when making decisions in the long run. “Our penal code describes the act of homosexual is an unnatural offence. This penal code is a carbon copy of Indian Penal Code and that is a copy of the United Kingdom. Even the UK and liberal countries had amended the code today but not us,” Dr. Mahanamahewa said.
He said though the act was considered as an offence, it is observed that it is happening throughout the country discreetly. “All citizens should be entitled to Right of Choice, the freedom to choose. That is why we need to have a discussion on the issue.
We can invite religious leaders to take part in the discussions. If the gay community was continued to be oppressed and discriminated against, they might develop stressful and violent behaviour,” he said. Dr. Mahanamahewa said the Penal Code, religious background and the ethical attitudes had prevented Sri Lanka from being open up for LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) rights.
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