Found in the Province On-Line
(thanks Lisa for sending this along)
148-year ban overturned by highest court
News Services July 3, 2009
An Indian court has overturned a 148-year-old colonial law banning homosexual relationships, saying it was an affront to human dignity.
Same-sex couples with rainbow-painted faces kissed at Delhi's Jantar Mantar monument in scenes that would have been unthinkable in conservative India before the ban was lifted. The ban was introduced by British officials and describes sexual intercourse between people of the same sex as an "unnatural offence."
Government lawyers said same-sex relationships were "indecent," against Indian values, and if decriminalized would lead to an increase in delinquent behaviour and pose a health hazard.
Their argument was rejected yesterday by Delhi's High Court judges who said the ban denied homosexuals equal rights.
Muslim clerics and the Roman Catholic church spokesmen said they still regarded homosexuality as immoral.
Ahmed Bukhari, the chief imam at Delhi's Jama Masjid mosque, said: "This is absolutely wrong. We will not accept any such law."
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Jennifer ... Vancouver's Sex Educator, Sexuality Coach and Activist. The content of this blog is not suited for those under the age of 18. What you'll find here is a written account of my personal journey in sex positive culture both personally and professionally.
