Campaigners in India celebrate historic ruling to decriminalise gay sex

Gay rights campaigners in India are celebrating the decision to strike down a law that made gay sex punishable by up to 10 years in prison.

The country’s supreme court historically struck down a law from the colonial era that categorised gay sex as an “unnatural offence”.

In 2009 the law was declared unconstitutional but was reinstated in 2013. But the Supreme Court accepted a petition filed by five people who claimed they are living in fear of being harassed and prosecuted by police.

The decision has been met with celebrations by campaigners.

Amnesty India tweeted: “India celebrates this landmark judgement! Thanks to the tireless efforts of LGBTI activists and their lawyers, this human rights milestone is now a reality. We salute you.”

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Indian cricketer Anjum Chopra wrote: “A historic judgement! Massive verdict today! Congrats India! #Section377”, while Vh1 India tweeted: “Love Won Today. #Section377 And we couldn’t be more proud of our Nation!”

And Human Rights campaigner Peter Tatchell wrote: “Gargantuan news! India Supreme Court decriminalises homosexuality. Is it the most significant LGBT judicial ruling in history?”

Delivering the judgement, India’s chief justice Dipak Misra, said the law had become a “weapon for harassment for the LGBT community”.

He said: “Any consensual sexual relationship between two consenting adults – homosexuals, heterosexuals or lesbians – cannot be said to be unconstitutional.”