BOO: Goa minister proposes centres to 'treat' LGBT youth

A minister from Goa sparked a row after he said that the state will establish centres to treat LGBT (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender) youth.

"We will make them (LGBT youth) normal. We will have a centre for them like Alcoholic Anonymous centres. We will train them and give them medicines too," said Goa's Sports and Youth Affairs Minister Ramesh Tawadkar on Monday.

Tawadkar said that the government was planning to set up centres to administer treatment to LGBT youth to make them "normal".

He was speaking to reporters after launching the state government's youth policy. The policy lists the LGBT community among the stigmatised groups which need focused attention.

"As in the case of other target groups such as juvenile offenders, drug afflicted youth, marginalised or migrant youth, geographically disadvantaged youth, a detailed survey would be carried out of the LGBT community so that their problems could be specifically addressed," he added.

Appalled by Tawadkar's insensitive remarks? Boo him and register your protest.