Religious representatives pass resolution against Delhi HC ruling

Religious leaders on Thursday passed a resolution that reiterated their opposition to decriminalising of homosexuality by the Delhi High Court.

In the resolution they mentioned that homosexuality was against the laws of nature and is opposed by every religion.

Those signed the resolution include Kamal Farooqui, chairman of the Minorities Commission, Swami Raghuanandji (Hindu), Father Dominic (Christian), Mahendir Singh (Sikh) and Lama Lob Jang (Buddhist). A copy of the resolution will be sent to the president, vice president and prime minister.

They together sought for a review of the court order July 2 that decriminalised gay sex between consenting adults by striking down section 377 of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).

"'The judgement passed by the high court is against Indian culture. Foreigners want their children to follow our culture and traditions, and now we are deviating away from our rich culture. India is a leader of religions and we should not allow this to happen" IANS quoted Acharya Sadhvi Sadhna, chairperson of World Fellowship of Religions, as saying.

A solution was also suggested for those struggling with homosexuality. "A homosexual person needs a psychiatrist and they should be cured of the disease. They should follow yoga and should do pranayam," says Maha Mantra Das of the Hare Krishna Mission.

He further said the fact that homosexuals cannot donate blood or organs indicates "they are not normal".

On the medical view, Dr. K.K. Aggarwal, president of Heart Care Foundation of India, says, MSM (Men who have sex with men) have a high risk of diseases like Hepatitis B or epilepsy and the infection rate is also higher than a normal human being.

In the US, Canada and Europe the MSM are not allowed to donate blood for life, he added.

Meanwhile, the Centre is likely to convene a meeting soon to evolve a consensus on the controversial Section 377. Union Home Minister P Chidambaram will chair the meeting

The Supreme Court July 20 asked the Centre to speed up its response on legalising homosexuality and reply within the next eight weeks.