Indian Supreme Court refuses to stay verdict on gay sex

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The Indian Supreme Court today decided to reject a petition to put a recent High Court judgement on decriminalising gay sex on hold.

The Delhi High Court said the colonial-era ban on gay sex between consenting adults was unconstitutional.

The ruling was challenged by Sushil Kumar Kaushal, described as a “Hindu astrologer”. He argued that if gay sex is legalised, “tomorrow people might seek permission for having sex with animals”.

His petition also claimed that the judgement would result in a further spread of HIV/AIDS.

Another petition against the July 3rd ruling came from a yoga guru who said homosexuality was a “disease” and could be cured by yoga.

Swami Baba Ramdev said: “It can be treated like any other congenital defect. Such tendencies can be treated by yoga, pranayama (breathing exercises) and other meditation techniques.”

The Supreme Court has said it will wait for the government to express its views on the issue in the next two months.

According to the Indian Express, the bench said: “We are not for stay as there is no threat of any consequences. We will hear the government, what is their stand.”

Deliberations will resume on September 14th.

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