India's Supreme Court reinstates ban on gay sex

A Supreme Court in India has reinstated a ban on gay sex, prohibiting an action they described as 'carnal intercourse against the order of nature'.

15:25 11 December 2013

Four years ago, a Delhi High Court had ruled to decriminalise gay sex giving campaigners who were publicly voicing their concern against widespread discrimination and ignorance a level of national acceptance. However, today, a Supreme Court in India has overruled the 2009 ruling, which crushed the hopes of activist who fought the case.  

Arvind Narayan, a lawyer of the Alternative Law Forum gay rights group, said: "Such a decision was totally unexpected from the top court. It is a black day for the community.”

"We are very angry about this regressive decision of the court."

T. Tandon, a lawyer appearing for Naz Foundation, said: "We will explore all options, probably look into the option of a review petition.”

"The movement of gay rights is so much stronger now. It is not 2001, it is 2013. You can't have a decision like this."

Meanwhile, religious groups, who strongly opposed the 2009 ruling were delighted with Wednesday outcome.

General secretary of the All India Muslim Personal Law Board, Abdul Raheem Quraishi, said: "We know that homosexuality is against nature. It goes against all its laws and it is what led to the spread of HIV/AIDS."