India Decriminalizes Homosexuality

Earlier today, Justice S. Muralidhar of the New Delhi High Court struck down the law in India that made consensual homosexual sex a crime.  The decriminalization of homosexuality in India was a bold move in the conservative nation, but it has liberated millions of LGBT Indians and is a huge shift in the movement  for LGBT rights in developing countries.

Justice S. Muralidhar wrote:

“This Court believes that Indian Constitution reflects this value deeply ingrained in Indian society. Those perceived by the majority as deviants or ‘different’ are not on that score excluded or ostracized. Where society can display inclusiveness and understanding, such persons can be assured of a life of dignity and nondiscrimination.”

Conservative religious groups have been quick to criticize the ruling, stating “homosexual behavior” violates the laws of all faiths and Indian cultural norms.

But the criticisms didn’t bother the country’s LGBT activists, as the celebrated with tears as they embraced each other in the courtroom after the judge read the key section of the ruling  which made it clear that consensual sex between people over 18 could no longer be prosecuted as a crime.