Vehemently opposing the decriminalisation of gay sex, various social and religious organisations on Wednesday contended before the Supreme Court that homosexual behaviour is a disease.
Appearing before the court, they contended that homosexual behaviour is a disease, which should be cured through counselling and rehabilitation.
“It would be a horrendous situation in Indian society if it is allowed. The organisations (fighting for gay rights) should try to bring such people to national mainstream by providing counselling them,” said senior advocate Radha Krishana, appearing for a Catholic organisation.
He said approving such acts is against the concept of family and marriage. “India has got its own culture, tradition and custom. We cannot follow other culture. These things are being dumped in the country,” he said.
Other Christian groups, including Utkal Christian Council and Apostolic Churches Alliance too opposed the Delhi high court order which had in 2009 legalised gay sex between consenting adults in private.
Section 377 (unnatural offences) of the IPC makes gay sex a criminal offence entailing a maximum punishable of life imprisonment.
The apex court is hearing petitions filed by anti-gay rights activists and also by political, social and religious organisations who have opposed the high court verdict decriminalising homosexual behaviour.
