This debate is now closed.
Should gay sex be legalised in India?
A court in the Indian capital, Delhi, has ruled that homosexual intercourse between consenting adults is not a criminal act. How will it change life for gay people in India?
The ruling overturns a 148-year-old colonial law which describes a same-sex relationship as an "unnatural offence". Homosexual acts were punishable by a 10-year prison sentence.
Many people in India regard same-sex relationships as illegitimate. Rights groups have long argued that the law contravened human rights. Delhi's High Court ruled that the law outlawing homosexual acts was discriminatory and a "violation of fundamental rights".
Do you welcome the ruling? Will it help reduce social stigma and improve human rights for gay people? How will it change life for homosexuals in India?
Read the full story
Published:
Thursday, 2 July, 2009, 09:55 GMT
10:55 UK
All comments as they come in
Added:
Friday, 3 July, 2009, 11:39 GMT
12:39 UK
I never know why this question causes a problem. Those "offended" by it would never do the act anyway so why should they have judgement over it? No-one chooses their sexuality, it is what it is!!
[bluegal1970], Wigan, United Kingdom
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Added:
Friday, 3 July, 2009, 11:37 GMT
12:37 UK
Congratulations!!! Welcome to the 21st century, India. Now what country's next??
Jean, Atlanta
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Added:
Friday, 3 July, 2009, 11:36 GMT
12:36 UK
I think the laws in India should be the business of the Indian people and parliament, and none of mine
Mr Baynham, Pontefract
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Added:
Friday, 3 July, 2009, 11:32 GMT
12:32 UK
Sure, why not? India needs a good public aids prevention campaign to go along with it. Following the steps of US and French leadership.
Jacob Singer, Newark, New Jersey, USA
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Added:
Friday, 3 July, 2009, 11:25 GMT
12:25 UK
It never should have been illegal.
Mark, Charlottesville, Virginia
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Added:
Friday, 3 July, 2009, 11:20 GMT
12:20 UK
Of course it should be legalised this is the 21st Century.Before the British interfered in Indian culture with Victorian Christian prudery the Indian sub continent was diverse in matters of enjoying physical intimacy - look at the books, sculptures on the temples, paintings. People make up their own mind as to what to try and what to leave aside. Sex is enjoyable so long as both parties enjoy it otherwise why do it? Sexual preference is a spectrum many shades between straight&GAY love em all x
Steve, Ruislip
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Added:
Friday, 3 July, 2009, 11:12 GMT
12:12 UK
I'm amazed to see so many posters from Western countries condemn this ruling on the grounds that it goes against judaeo-christian morality and the ten commandments. Guess what, people! Indian culture isn't based on judaeo-christian morality and is well within its rights to reject a law that is. Go vent your sanctimonious, self-righteous spleen elsewhere.
Prashant, New York
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Added:
Friday, 3 July, 2009, 11:09 GMT
12:09 UK
The wind of change will blow at times. As and when such wind can demolish some outdated rules, regulations, and laws, we should go with the wind for the sake of human liberty. Sex is universal and its restriction in unwanted manner will bring in society its negative impact. As a democrat, I cannot stand against this ruling. Freedom will help enlighten people to choose what is right and what is wrong. Denial of justice always increases the crimes.
Prem Nizar Hameed, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
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Added:
Friday, 3 July, 2009, 10:59 GMT
11:59 UK
What consenting adults do with in the privacy of their bedroom is their business and their business alone.
Michael Lincoln
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Added:
Friday, 3 July, 2009, 10:59 GMT
11:59 UK
Yes! yes! yes! Live and let live, to each his own, respect for everyone and equality before law.
If people can't help their sexuality, and if their sexuality is not harming another person, they must be treated with equal rights and dignity.
The High Court has finally answered a years-long plea from all the rational thinking people of India, not just homosexuals, but everyone who respects other persons and wishes for communal happiness.
Shagun, New Delhi
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Added:
Friday, 3 July, 2009, 10:59 GMT
11:59 UK
yes, gay sex should be legalised in india. It is not at all a crime. Even they are human beings and all human beings should be given equal human rights. Under every constitution of the country citizens are protected from voilation of their human rights. It may be due to some past bitter experiences that made them to turn against women and choose gay life. Whatever may be the reasons all human beings are equal under the law. One should not look down to those people since you never know the reason
chencho om, Thimphu, Bhutan
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Added:
Friday, 3 July, 2009, 10:51 GMT
11:51 UK
Frankly, India has more important things to worry about than a very private act between two very consenting adults. Criminalising it only distracts police and the authorities from issues that threaten the security and stability of the country.
Anon
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Added:
Friday, 3 July, 2009, 10:45 GMT
11:45 UK
Every human being deserves, and should have, equal rights.
Harrisson Alsula, Dumaguete City, Philippines
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Added:
Friday, 3 July, 2009, 10:39 GMT
11:39 UK
I find it shocking that the BBC has even put this up for debate. There would never be a debate about, for example, whether ending apartheid was a good thing - because there is only one opinion right-minded people could possibly have. By debating this, the BBC is giving homophobic bigots the impression that their opinion is valid and fair.
Gay people harm no one. Of course it should be legalised. I find it hard to believe that anybody on here would condone it being illegal.
Helen Seymour, Hull, United Kingdom
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Added:
Friday, 3 July, 2009, 10:36 GMT
11:36 UK
It is definitely a welcome decision, that High Court has decriminalized gay sex in India.
Thomas, Mumbai
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DEBATE STATUS
Total comments: 1114
Published comments: 429
Rejected comments: 546
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