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Section 377 Exposed The Bigotry Of Hindu, Muslim And Christian Clerics In India

Hindu Mahasabha and Deoband maulvis find common cause.
A supporter of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community holds a placard as he celebrates after the Supreme Court's verdict of decriminalizing gay sex and revocation of the Section 377 law, during a march in Mumbai, India, September 6, 2018. REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas
Francis Mascarenhas / Reuters
A supporter of the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) community holds a placard as he celebrates after the Supreme Court's verdict of decriminalizing gay sex and revocation of the Section 377 law, during a march in Mumbai, India, September 6, 2018. REUTERS/Francis Mascarenhas

Even as the Supreme Court's decision partially striking down Section 377 triggered celebrations across the country, religious outfits have lashed out against the progressive judgment that decriminalizes gay sex.

The New Delhi-based Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha said the verdict was a threat to society and national interest, which would also lead to a rise in crime. "This is not in line with any religion. This insults the culture and value of this country," the national president of the Hindu Mahasabha said in a statement, calling for Parliament to intervene against the judgment.

In another statement, Yogendra Kumar Verma, the Hindu Mahasabha's chief in Uttar Pradesh said, "It is a conspiracy to destroy Hindu culture and all the values important for us. We should not cross limits and accept what is unnatural. God has created men and women for each other. Homosexuality, whether between men or between women should be considered a crime."

In a statement, Muslim clerics in based in Deoband said, "God provided a system for increasing the population of humanity, a relationship between husband and wife, Any other kind of sexual relationship is forbidden and illegal. Homosexuality is dirty, filthy and against nature. No right-thinking person will accept this kind of relationship. Supreme Court has the right to pass orders, and it is up to people to decide whether whether they want to have this kind of relationship, but Islam certainly does not permit."

Two Christian organization had also opposed the legalization of gay sex. Manoj George, the advocate who appeared for the two groups, told the Supreme Court that reading down Section 377 would effect personal laws of many communities. "Parliament must deal with it in its legislative wisdom," the groups had argued.

George, who appeared for the Apostolic Churches Alliance, toldIndia Today, "Homosexuality is an abomination as per the Bible. The act of sodomy, as per the Christian philosophy, faith, belief and sentiments of Christian religion as a whole is a most contemptuous sinful act."

Read full statement of the Hindu Mahasabha.

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