Religious leaders condemn gay sex ruling

A group of religious leaders today alleged that the campaign to legalise homosexuality in the country was part of a "well-planned conspiracy" to finish India's moral and social values, and sought government intervention against it.

Terming the Delhi High Court's recent judgment which decriminalised homosexuality "shocking, deplorable and unfortunate", they said "unnatural sex is totally unacceptable in India which has rich cultural and ethical traditions.

"It is a conspiracy to finish our moral values and those who are involved in such activities have no place in our society," Maulana Syed Jalaluddin Umari, president of Jamaat- e-Islami Hind, told reporters.

Maulana Umari also criticised those who cite fundamental rights for legalising gay activities saying such rights are not absolute.

"The individual rights are not absolute but are subject to public order, morality and health," he said.

Father Dominic Emmanuel, Director of Delhi Catholic Archdiocese, claimed gay activities would increase the risk of HIV infection. He, however, made it clear that they were not in favour of treating homosexuals as criminals despite their activities are "unnatural".

"We are always with them (gays) and ready to offer them counselling as it is possible to bring homosexuals in the mainstream of life," Immanuel said.

Acharya Lokesh Muniji, a Jain religious leader, also maintained that the campaign to legalise homosexuality was "conspiracy to finish our social fabrics".

"Indian civilisation survived centuries after centuries because of its moral and spiritual values. Westernisation is not acceptable in the country," Muniji said. While Sardar Tarsem Singh of Delhi Sikh Guruduwara Prabandhak Committee said gay activities should not be encouraged as it is against the law of nature.

However, he maintained that Sikhism does not treat homosexuals as criminal.