10/15/2008
India High Court Wants Scientific Justification for Gay Sex Ban
The Delhi High Court on Wednesday demanded scientific evidence and not religious texts as justification for the country's continued criminalization of homosexuality:
"The court's observation came while hearing a PIL filed by gay activists seeking to decriminalise gay sex among consenting adults. Additional Solicitor General P P Malhotra, appearing for the Centre, cited an article which contained quotes from religious texts to justify the ban. Not satisfied with the Government contention, the Bench, also comprising Justice S Muralidhar, asked the government to show scientific proof that gay sex is harmful to society. 'This is just one-sided version of a religious body which cannot be relied upon. This is part of religious doctrine. Show us some scientific report which says that gay sex should be criminalised,' a Division Bench headed by Chief Justice A P Shah said."
In September, the Indian government reaffirmed its position supporting the criminalization of homosexuality.
Previously
Indian Health Minister Seeks Decriminalization of Homosexuality [tr]
Posted 10:00 AM EST by Andy Towle in Gay Rights, India, News | Permalink
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Looks like India isn't going to stay this way very long.
Posted by: WildCuddler | Oct 15, 2008 10:53:29 AM
Surprising and admirable.
Of course, it's not that hard to come up with some fake-scientific-sounding version of an anti-gay ideology -- American 'phobes do it all the time. But still. This is an encouraging sign.
Posted by: Distingué Traces | Oct 15, 2008 10:57:27 AM
Cool
Posted by: Jimmyboyo | Oct 15, 2008 3:03:41 PM