Gay community celebrates July 2 ruling

Christians continue to oppose the decriminalisation of homosexuality in India even as the gay community celebrates the second anniversary of the Delhi High Court's landmark ruling.

The head of the Indian Evangelical Mission (IEM) on Monday warned that the judgment would encourage more controversial demands from the LGBT community.

Strongly opposing the legalisation of gay sex, Rev. P. John Wesley said that it challenged the ethical and moral standard of the society and urged for a review of the judgement

"Looking from a Christian perspective, God has made each gender for a unique purpose, otherwise He would have made us all the same. This is not ethical and right in the eyes of God," said Rev. Wesley.

"We must oppose the judgement tooth and nail. If we remain silent we might see more amendments and laws like this."

His words echoed those of Hindu and Muslim leaders who came sternly against the High Court verdict that legalised gay sex among consenting adults.

The High Court's decision in July 2009 came after nine years of legal proceedings initiated by India's gay groups.

On Saturday, the LGBT community in different parts of the country celebrated the second anniversary of the landmark ruling.

Over 200 people gathered at Jantar Mantar in Delhi to celebrate the judgment that repealed Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code.

Hundreds of queer youngsters and gay supporters came dressed up and chanted slogans demanding for a change in society's mindset.

Celebrants of the anniversary distributed pamphlets calling the Supreme Court to uphold that judgment.

The pamphlets also urged the passage of national legislation to end anti-LGBT discrimination, the establishment of government boards to address transgender issues, and the provision of age-appropriate, inclusive sex education in schools.

Inspired by the New York's legalisation of gay marriage, many showed hope for a similar support by the Indian government, according to the Hindustan Times.

There is however two petitions still pending in the Supreme Court, one filed by Christian Apostolic Churches Alliance and the other by yoga guru Baba Ramdev's disciple SK Tijarawala.

An inter-faith delegation led by the archbishop of Delhi in December 2009 met the Prime Minister and urged him to oppose the decriminalizing of homosexuality. They informed that they feared the verdict will increase cases of sexually transmitted diseases and create a social disorder.