Tell Indian Cinemas: Don't Censor LGBT Films

Tell Indian Cinemas: Don't Censor LGBT Films

The Issue

It's a movie that's been dubbed India's Brokeback Mountain, because of its historic portrayal of a same-sex couple in a country that up until a year ago criminalized homosexuality with fines and prison sentences. And indeed, in the few theaters where it's screening, Dunno Y ... Na Jaane Kyun is lighting it up, bringing in both cash and fans. And that's something to celebrate, given that the film is one of the first Bollywood productions to portray not only a real and serious same-sex relationship, but also some genuine same-sex affection.

Of course, Dunno Y ... Na Jaane Kyun is also making history in another way. And that's because two leading theaters in Mumbai -- Fun Cinemas and CinemaxVersova -- are refusing to screen the film, saying that it violates India's morals and would be offensive to families. What a shame.

Send these two cinemas a message that by censoring a film that portrays a same-sex relationship, they are sending a harmful and damaging message that only fosters stigmatization toward LGBT people. This is particularly troubling in India, where laws criminalizing homosexuality have only been off the books for less than a year.

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Michael JonesPetition StarterManaging Director of Campaigns @ Change.org. On the side I write some sketch comedy, and enjoy being the proud parent of the best dog on the planet.
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The Issue

It's a movie that's been dubbed India's Brokeback Mountain, because of its historic portrayal of a same-sex couple in a country that up until a year ago criminalized homosexuality with fines and prison sentences. And indeed, in the few theaters where it's screening, Dunno Y ... Na Jaane Kyun is lighting it up, bringing in both cash and fans. And that's something to celebrate, given that the film is one of the first Bollywood productions to portray not only a real and serious same-sex relationship, but also some genuine same-sex affection.

Of course, Dunno Y ... Na Jaane Kyun is also making history in another way. And that's because two leading theaters in Mumbai -- Fun Cinemas and CinemaxVersova -- are refusing to screen the film, saying that it violates India's morals and would be offensive to families. What a shame.

Send these two cinemas a message that by censoring a film that portrays a same-sex relationship, they are sending a harmful and damaging message that only fosters stigmatization toward LGBT people. This is particularly troubling in India, where laws criminalizing homosexuality have only been off the books for less than a year.

avatar of the starter
Michael JonesPetition StarterManaging Director of Campaigns @ Change.org. On the side I write some sketch comedy, and enjoy being the proud parent of the best dog on the planet.

The Decision Makers

Fun Cinemas
Fun Cinemas
Cinemax India
Cinemax India

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Petition created on November 14, 2010