India Examines Abolishing Anti-Gay Laws
365Gay.com,
June 25, 2002
By Peter Hacker
SUMMARY: The Indian government said Monday that it is examining the
legal, social and ethical aspects of decriminalizing homosexual acts among
consenting adults.
The Indian government said Monday that it is examining the legal, social
and ethical aspects of decriminalizing homosexual acts among consenting
adults.
Under Indian law, homosexual acts are punishable by prison terms up to 10
years.
The government made the statement during a court challenge to the laws.
Solicitor-General Mukul Rohtagi said he will have a decision in six weeks.
The court adjourned the case pending the government’s decision on the
anti-gay laws which date back to colonial times.
The laws are being challenged by Naz Foundation, a gays rights group which
was charged with prostitution offences after handing out safe-sex brochures in
Northern India last year.
Lawyers for the group said the laws violate the right to life and liberty
as provided in the Constitution.
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