Hindu guru claims homosexuality can be ‘cured’ by yoga

The world’s most popular Hindu guru, Swami “Baba” Ramdev, has claimed homosexuality can be “cured” by yoga in a petition to India’s Supreme Court.

The television guru whose yoga programmes are watched by an estimated 85 million people throughout the world, made the claim in an appeal to the overturn a ruling last week which legalised homosexuality.

He has warned he will launch nationwide protests if the ruling is not struck down and said all of India’s main religions regarded homosexual acts as sins.

In his petition, he argued that homosexuality was a curable disease and that sufferers could seek a cure.

“It can be treated like any other congenital defect. Such tendencies can be treated by yoga, pranayam and other meditation techniques,” he said.

Pranayam are a series of breathing exercises which include hyperventilation, a slow release of breath while chanting “Om”.

His followers have said there are particular yoga positions which also help prevent sexual urges.

The overturning of India’s law criminalising homosexuality was welcomed by India’s gay community and by campaigners, including several leading designers and Bollywood stars.

See Hindu guru claims homosexuality can be ‘cured’ by yoga

Telegraph.co.uk -

* Tags = gay men gay news lesbian news transgender bisexual