Community | July 02, 2009 | 47 comments

Indian court overturns gay sex ban

Image
current89
New Delhi's highest court has decriminalized gay sex activities. The judges of the New Dehli court said “Discrimination is antithesis of equality.” The law, imposed by the former British Empire, was set up in 1861. It prohibited so called “carnal intercourse against the order of nature.”
  1. groups:
    Community,   Current Tonight,   Max and Jason: Still Up,   Sex and Love,   12 more
  2. tags:
    News Sex and Love India Sex 10 more
  3.     
    |

47 comments // Indian court overturns gay sex ban

  • unclecharlie
    • 0
      unclecharlie  
    • I respectfully submit the following for your consideration. Please refrain from personal attacks. Thank You. "Homosexual activists who oppose marriage- and that is precisely what the so called "marriage equality" or "freedom to marry" movement actually does- are the ones who want to turn the clock back and impede progress. They are "regressives", not "progressives". The foundation for the real progress made in western civilization is partly because of the special recognition and place given to the first society of the family. That family is founded upon authentic marriage between one man and one woman. It is the first mediating institution of civil society. Marriage and family ground our organizing vision of the broader society and informs our philosophy of governance, including the proper place of the principle of subsidiarity, deferring to the family first." (Keith Fournier, "Should Disordered Appetites be Civil Rights?", catholic.org)

    • 2 years ago
  • ks_kickapoo_woman
  • Dillos
    • 0
      Dillos  
    • Well India, you have my blessing. If your gay, your gay. What can you do to control that? nothing. Is homosexuality really a path to hell? Why not something else like dictators and terrorist. People who gone against homosexuality has caused more problems than people who are actually gay. Debate me if you fell like it?

      And seriously, who cares?

    • 2 years ago
  • medinasoul
    • 0
      medinasoul  
    • paul mcdarkney... hey thanks for the recognition... yes liberalism (i'm not full fledged liberal but pretty liberal on a lot of things) does not run very widely in Islamic circles... well actually there's more of it than you would realize... unfortunately the mass media doesnt report those things (current does though!)... it's especially more prevalent among young Muslims...

      but i agree also... liberals tend to be judgmental at times but then again so do conservatives and moderates... everyone has judgmental elements in their groups...

    • 2 years ago
  • medinasoul
    • 0
      medinasoul  
    • nobama, no offense but i also think a lot of christians would be calling for his crucifixion also... because according to the NT he preached something completely different than a lot of churches preachy

    • 2 years ago
  • medinasoul
    • 0
      medinasoul  
    • mjkish i am only gonna say this... you said "I criticize you because you follow the written word that you believe to be the word of God (whoever that God may be), and you judge others because of it."

      first i never judged you because you are an atheist... i have friends from all walks of life... the Quran says that there is no compulsion in religion... you can believe what you want... but i never judged you... and further then you said "Well I'm sorry, but I can't accept the word of someone as mentally weak as yourself."

      Well now you have judged me. You have judged me to be mentally weak just because I follow a certain religion. That's a judgment which makes you a hypocrite when I never judged you.

      Also I never asked you to accept "my word".

      salaam alaikum

    • 2 years ago
  • GodsnLiberals
    • 0
      GodsnLiberals  
    • the reason that homosexuality has a more subtle acceptance in India or anywhere for that matter is because Hollywood had monopolized on what HOMOSEXUALITY is in this country..

      it created such a negative scary stereotype what a 'typical homosexual" is that it creeps the heeveejeebees out of the american public..

      in india or anywhere else for that matter..there are more positive note of homosexuals..they DO NOT celebrate homosexuality with leatherpants and feather boas and simulated sex on a motorcade..

    • 2 years ago
  • JuiceBug
    • 0
      JuiceBug  
    • The Western closed-minded arrogance in this thread is unfortunately quite typical. You young people are indoctrinated by your institutions and you adopt as your own whatever values are deemed 'progressive' and fashionable. And then in your absolutism you have the pomposity to claim that our traditional Indian values are backward, while they have served us well for thousands of years!

      If this is not ethno-centrism - even racism -, then I do not know what is. "Yes yes," you seem to say, "we Westerners know what is right and wrong, and up and down in this world, and we must export our value system along with our Nike shoes and Disney movies!"

      Homosexualism, commercialism, anything-goes-ism - white man's burden, indeed!

    • 2 years ago
  • div
    • 0
      div  
    • JuiceBug:

      While I won't defend western thought from what you are saying (as it is essentially true), I have one question:

      you mention this: "traditional Indian values are backward, while they have served us well for thousands of years!"

      But correct me if I'm wrong, was this rule not put in place by the Britishers?

    • 2 years ago
  • NickerBocker09
  • JuiceBug
    • 0
      JuiceBug  
    • JuiceBug:

      The rule was codified by the British but homosexuality is not socially acceptable in traditional Indian society, just as it is not accepted in traditional Chinese, Japanese, Arabic, Latin American, or African society. Among civilizations, homosexual behavior has only been sanctioned in the modern West and among the pre-Christian Mediterranean states.

    • 2 years ago
  • dreamsenvoy
  • laffytaffy08
    • 0
      laffytaffy08  
    • Why are people so against gay marriage?? If you believe it is a sin, that is fine, but my question is how does it effect your life if two women or two men get married? Get over it people!!

    • 2 years ago
  • couldntfindausername
  • spiritquest
    • 0
      spiritquest  
    • The world is need of reform, and if it means taking laws that were created in the age of empires now gone, this is a good thing. Whether individuals personally accept through their beliefs or convictions, the laws that govern the lands should reflect the society in which its applied to.

    • 2 years ago
  • medinasoul
    • 0
      medinasoul  
    • mjkish why is it a shame? i mean you say dont judge others for a belief system that is so old but then you are doing the same thing...

      and how do you know that they are fiction... you dont... so its kinda arrogant to even make that statement... you dont see me bashing you for NOT believing in a religious doctrine... so why would you do the opposite, again after saying someone shouldnt judge someone...

      you kinda sound like bill mahr now...

    • 2 years ago
  • mjkish
    • 0
      mjkish  
    • medinasoul:

      I would much rather sound like Bill Maher than anyone of "faith". There's a difference between me criticizing you and you criticizing me. I criticize you because you follow the written word that you believe to be the word of God (whoever that God may be), and you judge others because of it. I, being atheist, wasn't raised and taught to believe the word of a work of fiction. Therefore, I base my actions and thoughts and judgements upon what I know is right and wrong in society, and how I would like others to treat me.

      And as far as me knowing that "your books" are fiction, I think I have more of a case than you do. Just taking the bible as an example, no... nobody parted the red sea... nobody spoke to a burning bush... the snake didn't talk to Adam and Eve (who, by the way, were the ultimate sinners, since they were the origin of incest, if they in fact existed). So being that these magical things were made up, it's safe to say that the rest of these fairy tales were made up, as well. And no, your faith doesn't allow you to say that you know that those acts, or the acts of any other religious writings, are or were real.

      So why do you believe homosexuality is wrong? Because you don't have the gumption to put together a single judgement or belief for yourself? Because you were taught by a book of fiction, or by your family, that it's wrong? Well I'm sorry, but I can't accept the word of someone as mentally weak as yourself.

    • 2 years ago
  • nobamayomama
    • 0
      nobamayomama  
    • medinasoul:

      So you let society teach you what is right and wrong?

      The bible, book of fiction as you refer to it, has been more historically documented as fact than any other book existing. I dare you to read just the Proverbs and tell me what you think about them.

      It is a book of relationships - an owner's manual for humans. It clearly defines what is right and wrong and when I read people saying they are a "devout" whatever, then finish with "we should all be grey", it fries my brain.

      Don't dismiss a book you haven't read.

      If you believe murder is wrong, you already believe one of God's commandments.

      If you have love in your soul for anyone - then you believe in God because the bible says in 1 John 4, "God is love".

      If you believe that you shouldn't trash talk your neighbor and show them kindness, you believe most of the bible and what it says.

      If you have self-discipline in your life, that is a fruit of the Spirit.

      All of psychology is rooted in the words of wisdom in the bible.

      At some point, somewhere, far beyond what any of us could even phathom - life began. To dismiss such a wonderful book as fiction is your choice and you have that right - but before you condemn believers for your perceived condemnation of others, realize that you do the same thing.

    • 2 years ago
  • nobamayomama
  • BFAM_RVS
  • medinasoul
    • 0
      medinasoul  
    • nobama, my Muslim convictions should be of concern to you and just because I see things outside of a black and white box, that doesn't mean that I'm "lukewarm" in my faith. I'm sorry if I'm not whatever you think the Islamic version of bible-thumping is but I think everyone has a right to do as they choose.

      The Qur'an even says "There is no compulsion in religion" (the term here being ad-Deen which shares the same root as Dunya which means this world; deen is more accurately translated as way of life).

      So when accurately translated it says "There is no compulsion in your way of life but the right way is clear from the wrong"

      So that is to say that while we cannot force someone to be a certain way, what is right and what is wrong is known and it's each person's DECISION.

    • 2 years ago
  • medinasoul
  • wmorrison13
  • nobamayomama
  • uroborus8
    • 0
      uroborus8  
    • From the article, "Thursday’s decision applies only in the territory of India’s capital city, but it is likely to force India’s government either to appeal the decision to the Supreme Court, or change the law nationwide, lawyers and advocates said."

    • 2 years ago
  • Theekshani
    • 0
      Theekshani  
    • Hoorah for human rights!

      Slightly random: India has a lot of eunuchs and some of them are sex workers. Were they banned according to this old British law since they seem to be such a noticeable, though ostracized, part of Indian society?

    • 2 years ago
  • medinasoul
    • 0
      medinasoul  
    • nobama (what a dickish name for starters and not very originalo)

      first off thank you for "setting me straight"

      i do believe in the Holy Qur'an wholeheartedly. You have no idea what I believe. You are misinterpreting what I said in your anti-Islamic christian mind. I am not saying that God sees things in grey but in regards to things like homosexuality and other hot button topics, there isnt always an easy answer.

      I myself said that I think that homosexuality is a sin but i think its also a sin to be judgmental of people and to be a denier of human rights. So while i dont agree with it, i'm also not gonna tell them they have right to be married. I don't live in an Islamic country; I live in a secular society and secular society is run by secular principles, a fact that openly acknowledge.

      And that is why I said that I will leave it up to God to judge me. I will settle my debts on Judgment Day.

    • 2 years ago
  • nobamayomama
    • 0
      nobamayomama  
    • medinasoul:

      anti-Islamic? All my post did is reiterate much of what you said. Now, I get an insult then condemned for being anti-islamic because YOU said you were a "devout" Muslim but then wished everyone (at the end of your post) would be lukewarm? HUH?

      Cheap shot that you called me anti-muslim and made fun of my really cool screen name because of your assumptions. I think it's cooler than yours (my screen name). Neener neener.

      Guess you didnt' get the part where I was agreeing with you where "convictions" about our faiths are concerned, a conviction is knowing right vs wrong - and I agree we shouldn't "judge" condemn someone about any particular sin because we are all sinners and they could do the same to us.

      BUT, no - that message of mine didn't come thru because you chose to read into it what was not there and reply with insults because I disagree with your last paragraph.

    • 2 years ago
  • nobamayomama
    • 0
      nobamayomama  
    • Well, well. I just love this article, especially this part:

      The decision to bring Western culture to India, he said, will “corrupt Indian boys and girls.”

      Is this "Blame America" for the gay movement in India? Do they not read their Qu'ran or the bible where it spells out gay activity in their region thousands and thousands of years ago? How did this become a "western culture issue?" Maybe WE got it from the EAST since that's where the origins of man were!

      Oh, so it's OK to bring "western culture" as long as it has to do with jobs, opportunity and money - but if it an ethical thing you do not like (but has been going on in your country, secretly albiet), much longer than here...we blame the western culture. LOL!

    • 2 years ago
  • medinasoul
    • 0
      medinasoul  
    • nobamayomama:

      Well actually homosexuality isnt the only "western" thing that they are suspicious of over there....

      but also as far the quran and bible go... most indians are hindu or sikh so that wouldnt apply to them....

      and since you dont think homosexuality should be a considered a "western" thing (and i agree) you also shouldnt think that a "middle eastern " country is only Muslim/Christian/Jewish

    • 2 years ago
  • nobamayomama
    • 0
      nobamayomama  
    • nobamayomama:

      Please show me where I think the middle east is only Muslim/Christian/Jew. I recall making no such statements.

      Because I mentioned a couple of religions as an example doesn't mean I "think" that's all there is over there. It's a moot point anyway.

    • 2 years ago
  • medinasoul
    • 0
      medinasoul  
    • nobamayomama:

      Well for one if its a moot point why even respond to it?

      For two no you didnt say it but you spoke of India and then only mentioned Quran and Bible. Why not mention the Vedas also? Maybe because you have no idea what the Vedas say? And that is their main religion in India

    • 2 years ago
  • nobamayomama
    • 0
      nobamayomama  
    • nobamayomama:

      Ugh. I was saying it's moot because we weren't discussing which religions existed in India yet you were critical of me about it in you post and now you are still trying to steer the conversation to whatever religions exist in India.

      I was responding to YOU, your Muslim convictions, period.

    • 2 years ago
  • afitzgerald
    • 0
      afitzgerald  
    • Image
    • A few years ago Vanguard's Adam Yamaguchi went to India and produced this story on the difficulty of living as homosexual in India. An interesting new ending to this story.

    • 2 years ago
  • uroborus8
    • 0
      uroborus8  
    • This is monumentally important. 17% of the world's population has transgressed oppressive and immoral legal justification for institutionalized homophobia.

      Edit: This case only covers New Dehli, not the whole country. It's a step, but not the entire leap I initially thought.

    • 2 years ago
  • div
  • DeliaTheArtist
  • GodsnLiberals
  • H3ADLINE
  • medinasoul
    • 0
      medinasoul  
    • I have to say this. I am a devout Muslim and so to me homosexuality is a sin as outlined in the Qur'an and a lot of other religious books. But I'm also rather liberal on things. And while homosexuality may be a sin, I also think that discrimination is. While I may not agree with a certain lifestyle, I'm not gonna say that homosexual people shouldn't be allowed to marry, especially in a country that doesn't practice Islamic law (i.e. America; Europe, etc.) If I am wrong in this then I will settle my debt with God on Judgment Day.

      Now on the issue of a ban on gay sex. I dunno. You can't ban sex haha. People are gonna have sex. I guess now though there is no criminal penalties placed upon you if you are caught doing it. But how do you catch someone doing it? And do you want to?! haha.

      The thing is the world tries to see things in black and white. And the world isn't black and white; there's a grey area, people. Even with this issue, I can't really make up my mind on what I think is right or wrong. I wish a lot more people could step up and say that instead of always insisting their way is right, infallible, not to be questioned.

      May Allah be pleased with my efforts and forgive my shortcomings! Ameen!

    • 2 years ago
  • nobamayomama
    • 0
      nobamayomama  
    • medinasoul:

      Well, if you are a Muslim and you believe your Holy Book, - you either believe all of it or none of it. Allah/God does not see certain things in GREY. Our bible says to be "hot" or "cold", not lukewarm and that has everything to do with right/wrong and knowing the difference.

      IF you are a 'devout' Muslim - then you should hold to your conviction that homosexuality is wrong. If they were persecuting these people and treating them unfairly because of homosexuality - that is also wrong.

      Every human being has a right to dignity and to be treated fairly and without harrassment. God will judge but we can also be discerning about right/wrong, not complacent about it.

    • 2 years ago
  • seanalyn
    • 0
      seanalyn  
    • medinasoul:

      so nobamayomama, do you believe Christians should follow all of their holly book to the absolute T? Or is it just Muslims that are held to your standard. Because Ive never met a single Christian that followed every word of the Bible and I grew up in the Bible belt!

    • 2 years ago
  • mjkish
    • 0
      mjkish  
    • medinasoul:

      It's a shame that in this day in age, people follow works of fiction so adamantly, instead of just realizing that these "holy books" are just that... fiction. Don't judge others for a belief system that's centuries old. Join us in the 21st century and leave your "stories" behind.

    • 2 years ago
  • jh64487
    • 0
      jh64487  
    • medinasoul:

      as usual "nobama", you prove yourself to be little more than an ignorant troll advocating for intolerance and persecution.

      i feel sad for you and all like you, but humanity needs to collectively tell extremists like you (from all walks of life) to shut the fuck up.

      so i'll start

      shut the fuck up fool.

    • 2 years ago
  • div
  • nobamayomama
    • 0
      nobamayomama  
    • medinasoul:

      I am talking about convictions. That is FOOLISH? And, I not a troll - I am a commentor with another viewpoint - isn't everyone open to all sides? Fairness Doctrine anyone?

      Anyway, it's entertaining to be called a "fool" for having convictions about something and having a belief that we are not to condemn others because we all fall short.

      I've answered the question about "following my holly book to the T" already by saying we all sin. That's why we need a savior and grace. I DO believe in life after and want to know what that's about and choose to be a "believer". It's a walk that is precious and fulfilling.

      For a group of people - I'll say liberals for categories sake, who preach tolerance...some of you are the most intolerant people I know. I'd bet if Jesus were here, as he was 2009 yrs ago (and that's historically accurate) you might be among those who would say "crucify him!" - tolerant as you are. LOL!

    • 2 years ago
  • sirpaulmcdarkney
    • 0
      sirpaulmcdarkney  
    • medinasoul:

      Okay nobama, I agree that you are entitled to your own opinion. I also agree that it's nice to have convictions you can stand by. Having said that, I think the point most people are trying (though failing miserably) to make is that if you have religious convictions (specifically Christian), and are a follower of the bible to the 'T' then you might want to tone down the judgmental tone in everyday thinking/conversation (I'm speaking generally not to you specifically). "Judge not..."
      The really sad part of this discussion is that none of us has thanked MedinaSoul for sharing his insanely brave and open-minded view. Islam gets a bad rap for not being the most tolerant of doctrines; let us enjoy the proof that there are many sides to everything and in the end the goal is to coexist in peace, right. Well, looks like it's possible doesn't it?

      Oh yeah, and take heed to Nobama's point about liberals being some of the most intolerant and judgmental. I hate to say it y'all but it's true (and I'm pretty liberal)!
      :D

    • 2 years ago
more from Community:

top videos