"A society free from discrimination and stigmatization for lesbians, bisexual women, and transgendered persons in which they may actively and positively contribute to all levels of society in Sri Lanka and globally"

- the WSG vision -

The Delhi High Court has ruled  on 2nd July 2009, that Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalised sodomy (describing it as "unnatural offence") is in violation of the fundamental rights as given in Articles 14, 15, and 21 of the constitution of India in so much as it criminalises private sexual acts amongst consenting adults.

Congratulations India !!

view the actual judgement

The Women's Support Group has worked since 1999 for the rights of lesbians, bisexual women and transgendered persons (LBT). Our work has been diverse and at times very difficult. The stigma and discrimination that the gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered (LGBT) community faces is validated by section 365 of the Penal Code of Sri Lanka.

The Sri Lankan legal system makes it extremely difficult for our community to live openly. The Penal Code, based on 19 th century British law, states that homosexual sexual activity is a crime. Up till 1995, the subject of this law was only men. However, the 1995 amendment to the Penal Code made it ‘gender-neutral' and now the Penal Code criminalizes both male and female homosexual sexual activity.

This law and a homophobic social environment create a smothering atmosphere for the LGBT people. They are subject to discrimination on many fronts. They face blackmail by others, they face threats to their family, career, and their life. Some have been thrown out of their homes and others have lost their jobs. The legal system and the stigma associated with being homosexual, bisexual or transgendered in our society makes it difficult for members of the LGBT community to live their lives fully and openly. Around you there are many people who hide their sexual and gender identity from those around them due to the fear of what may happen to them if their identity is known.

about us

The Women's Support Group is the first women's group in Sri Lanka to dedicate itself to issues of lesbians, bisexual women and transgendered persons (LBT) in the country. As such, the WSG reaches out to all women who struggle for the free expression of their sexuality. Although the WSG has a small membership, many women who are afraid of openly associating... more...

If you want to donate to the WSG, please contact us wsglanka@gmail.com

+94 11 5056122