India government mulls legalising gay sex

[DonViejo]

Source: BBC

The Indian government is considering decriminalising homosexuality, a day after the country's top court upheld a law which criminalised gay sex.

Law Minister Kapil Sibal said "all options were being considered to restore a 2009 Delhi High Court order" which had decriminalised gay sex.

Earlier, Finance Minister P Chidambaram said the ruling had taken India "back to 1860".

There has been outrage over the ruling seen as a huge blow to gay rights.

Gay rights activists called it "retrograde" and "disappointing" and said they would approach the court to review its decision.

The United Nations too criticised the decision, calling it a "significant step backwards for India".

:::snip:::

Read more: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia-india-25344900

[iandhr]

1. I guess its good that...

... idea cares enough about its world image to be embarrassed into change.

[Swede Atlanta]

2. If India wants a seat at the "big" table they need to modernize their legal system....

It is in India's own self-interest to not only decriminalize same gender sexual contacts but as well pursue broad policies of equality. I recognize that not even the U.S. has a national non-discrimination policy (held up by John Boehner) but these kinds of actions are indicative of advanced modern societies.

India generates tremendous amount of revenue from tourism. Being known as a homophobic country that criminalizes gay sexual conduct not to mention a total lack of recognition of legal rights is a factor for some travelers.

Foreign investment as well can be impacted as some companies look at these types of laws and public policies in determining where to invest. Granted most foreign investment is based solely on how cheap they can get something done (e.g. call centers) or made without any regard for local laws and customs. But there are some out there for whom these kinds of laws are factors in their decision making.

[cosmicone]

3. The reality is quite different

Except for hardliner Hindus, Christians and Muslims, the rest of India is extremely tolerant of LGBT and other minorities.

In Indian (Hindu) epics and scriptures like the Mahabharata, there are several powerful and admirable characters that were from the LGBT community and some are even worshipped.

Just as in other countries, the older, established people are homophobic but the younger generations are not. Unlike the US, I am not aware of a single incident in India where a gay or lesbian person was persecuted or harmed because of orientation.

[smitra]

4. Exactly... and a fact about Hinduism that is largely unknown to most Westerners.

Hinduism has the concept of 'Ardhanarishvara' - a diety that is half-man, half-woman.

See here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ardhanarishvara

One quote from this Wikipedia article: "Daniélou notes that the hermaphrodite, the homosexual and the transvestite have a symbolic value in Tantra and are considered sacred beings as "images" of the Ardhanarishvara. Ardhanarishvara is worshipped by them as their tutelary deity."

[geek tragedy]

5. What a bigoted pile of dishonest scapegoating.

ya, a majority Hindu country has homophobic laws because of Muslims and Jews. No homophobia amongst Hindus, no sirree.

Which is why the VHP endorsed the recent ruling reinstating crimnal penalities as did Baba Ramdev.

Last time I checked, they weren't Christians, Jews, or Muslims.

As far as "no incidents of homophobic persecution" you have to be kidding me.

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2010-12-28/india/28251262_1_saharanpur-management-student-gay-party

[cosmicone]

6. Perhaps you should read my post once again ...

I edited it to include hardliner Hindus and removed reference to Jews in India who are very progressive. I am no fan of hardliners and bigots of any religion.

Also, the latter part of my post was in reference to persecution and mayhem by homophobic mobs -- like the Matthew Shepherd case in Colorado.

[geek tragedy]

7. I was reading your original version when I commented. nt

[cosmicone]

8. Yes, the original version was mistyped. n/t

[geek tragedy]

9. erm, okay nt