The media was recently electrified by the news that Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (drafted in 1850, a hangover from the British colonial rule), which criminalizes homosexuality in India, was going to be repealed. This discriminatory law calls for imprisonment for life for engaging in homosexual acts. On the eve of a major constitutional challenge, it seems to be backtracking a bit. Section 377 "criminalizes same sex sexual behavior irrespective of the consent of the people involved," and is currently facing a constitutional challenge at the Delhi High Court.
It seems as if the government is feeling the heat from several quarters. An Islamic seminary came out strongly against the move to repeal, calling homosexuality the "wish of an 'ungodly few'", and insisting that it is a
"contemptible move likely to corrupt the gullible in society".
There is even a call to band together with other religious groups:
A joint forum of Hindus, Muslims and Christians must be set up to check the government from making the offending legislation.
The spokesman for another Islamic group stated:
The section should stay as its repealing would result in sexual anarchy in the society. Those opposing the section are influenced by Western culture. Those who argue for independence do not realise that independence should have its limits.
Christian churches have voiced their opposition to the move along with Hindu fundamentalist groups.
Two days ago, Union Ministers seemed to indicate that there was a distinct possibility that the law could be repealed. The Law Minister called the law "outdated," and seemed to indicate that the new Congress government would be amenable to repealing the law. But now he's singing a different tune, saying one needs to consider the views of "all sections of society", including religious organizations. The Health Minister is urging a search for "consensus" and "public debate." These are ominous signs, and...I guess...not entirely unexpected: only last year, the government submitted that:
"Every citizen has the right to lead a decent and moral life in society and the right would be violated if such behaviour (gay sex) is legalised in the country." [And] the government had contended adding allowing gay sex would pose a health hazard to society.
This is all so very depressing.