India's religious leaders protest court ruling to decriminalize homosexual acts
(December 14, 2009) The Catholic archbishop of the Indian capital last week led a
delegation of religious leaders for a meeting with Indian Prime Minister Manmohan
Singh, calling for action to reverse a court ruling that banned criminal penalties
for homosexual acts. Archbishop Vincent Concessao of Delhi who headed the delegation
on Dec. 9 told reporters that Singh had not expressed an opinion on the issue, but
listened carefully to arguments that the acceptance of homosexuality could be a “threat
on the social fabric of our society.” Archbishop Concessao said the delegation members
were hopeful of a court verdict in their favour claiming that they were supporting
the cause of the common people. Various religious leaders and groups had opposed
the ruling and have filed a writ in the Supreme Court. The leaders said homosexuality
is an "intrinsically evil act" and the churches across the country are counselling
the youths on this issue. Archbishop Concessao said, “Homosexuals have a tendency
to influence others so there is a need to counsel these people without destroying
their human dignity. Anything which goes against the definition of being a man, woman
and animal are unnatural and the youths should be taught about it," he added.