Hindu fundamentalists blast film on homosexuality
Bishop of Agra: For gays- not legitimization or marginalization, but understanding
Mumbai (AsiaNews) - Mumbai and Varanasi have been the targets of the moral brigade as the controversial film, 'Girlfriend', released nationwide incited workers of Shiv Sena (a right wing Hindutva group) who went on a rampage disrupting movie screening, destroying film theatres, tearing down posters, shouting slogans and burning effigies in the two cities. The film deals with the 'lesbianism' and related themes, and is directed by noted film director Karan Raazdhan.
A Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) leader, lashed out against the film on grounds of protecting Indian culture, and denounced Australian morality. "Attempts are being made to ban homosexuality, as is done in Australia where it has resulted in the spread of several diseases including AIDS. Unfortunately our society is moving in the same direction of progress," he said.
For hours Bajrang Dal activists, another Hindutva fringe group, caused pandemonium outside the theatres in the North Indian city of Varanasi. Protestors burnt film posters and broke theatre windows, deploring that there were many women's colleges in the area whose students could be affected by such a film. One protestor even threatened self-immolation if the film continued to be screened.
Ironically the film is also attacked by gay and lesbian activists because the lesbian character is painted in a derogative and negative manner. According to them, the film is regressive and promotes stereotypes. The film director, however, claims that such portrayals are unintentional. He stated that, as a Buddhist who believes in non-violence, he brings up burning issues in the film, like child abuse, to reflect on society's insensitivity.
Most Rev. Archbishop Oswald Gracias, Archbishop of Agra, and Chairman Commission for Social Communications told AsiaNews that the Church has never intentionally marginalized anyone, "including homosexuals and lesbians. All should be brought into the main stream. The Church looks at them with compassion, respect and sensitivity. They need support and understanding. Every sign of unjust discrimination in their regard should be avoided. If the film intends to portray them cruelly or make fun, it is not correct."
In the meantime, violence against the film 'Girlfriend' has spread to other cities. In Indore, Nagpur, Bhopal and Orissa, police arrested many activists of right-wing Hindutva parties who resorted to violence.
A member of the Censor Board of India stated that the job of the Censor Board was only to classify the film into Adults (A), General Viewing (U), etc. "It is then the state's administrative function to ensure safety and maintain law and order for the screening of the film, as it was cleared by the Censor Board with an 'A' rating."
A theatre personality agreed and stated "What's so offensive about the film? If people do not like the film, do not view it." (NC)
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