The Times of India is reporting that two women, both married to men, and in a lesbian relationship with each other, have committed suicide as a result of harassment and family pressure to separate.

They died hugging each other.

On Friday
morning, Rukmani went to Malar’s house after their husbands had left for work.
Not finding Rukmani for a long time, her relatives started searching for her and
finally found her in Malar’s house. In front of several people, they abused her
for having a “physical relationship” with Malar, whose family members also
started shouting at the two
friends.



“Around midnight, they
poured kerosene on their body and set themselves on fire. They appear to have
hugged each other during the final moments of their life,” an investigation
officer who inspected the scene
said.



Based on a complaint by
Rukmani’s elder sister Padmavathy, Sathangadu police have registered a case and
further investigations are on. The case has been handed over to the revenue
divisional officer (RDO), as Rukmani died within seven years of her marriage
with Vijayan.



“We will proceed
with the case after getting the RDO’s report,” a senior police officer
said.



Reacting to the incident,
lawyer and activist Sudha Ramalingam said it was time Section 377 of IPC
(unnatural offence) was scrapped. “We have reached a stage where one has to
accept relationships which are not termed normal. Everyone has the right,
especially two consenting adults, to choose their way of life,” she said. All
India Democratic Women’s Association leader Vasuki said suicides are not a
solution to any problem. “Same sex relationships are coming to the fore these
days, and we do not have a coping mechanism in place,” she told The Times of
India.



Vasanthi Devi, former
Chairperson, State Women’s Commission, said, “In India, same sex relationships
are not in any way accepted, and even talking about it is considered taboo.
Since it is perceived to be unnatural and unacceptable, a lot of sensitivity is
required in handling the issue. Sadly, counselling is virtually unknown in our
society, be it for students or adults. If we had counsellors to guide, any
number of tragedies can be avoided.”

Read the details at The Times of India…