Centre to clarify stand on gay sex next week

The Union Government is likely to clarify its stand on the issue of legalising gay sex between two consenting adults, before the Supreme Court next week.

Union Home Minister P Chidambaram has already indicated that the committee of three ministers, comprising himself, Union Law Minister Veerappa Moily and Union Health Minister Ghulam Navi Azad, is going to submit its report to the Union Cabinet.

The apex court is awaiting the stand of the Union Government on homosexuality.

The Delhi High Court in its judgment dated July 2 had held that an act of homosexuality between two consenting adults is not an offence under section 377 IPC. The HC had also recommended to the Union Government to amend the said section accordingly.

The judgment came under heavy fire from religious leaders who felt that such an act was in violation of nature and will spread dangerous diseases like AIDS in the society.

These religious leaders, some of whom have already approached the Supreme Court against the judgment, are also of the opinion that homosexuality is a disease and will spread sexual corruption in the society and is also against the cultural and ethical values of Indian society.

The Union Law Minister has, however, already made it clear that the HC judgment is well researched and cannot be contested.

Attorney General of India G E Vahanvati had said on the last date of hearing that there was no need to stay the HC judgment at present.

In all probability, the Union Government is not likely to resist the HC judgment.