Section 377 verdict: We have gone back to 1860, says Finance Minister P Chidambaram

A rainbow flag is carried above gay rights supporters during the Gay Pride Parade in New Delhi.

The Supreme Court on Wednesday said gay sex will remain a criminal offence, dealing a severe blow to the largely-closeted homosexual community in the world's largest democracy. The court's order means gay sex between consenting adults stays a criminal offence under Section 377, a 19th century law banning sex "against the order of nature".

We are proud that our culture has always been an inclusive and tolerant one... I hope that Parliament will address this issue and uphold the Constitutional guarantee of life and liberty to all citizens of India, including those directly affected by this judgment.
Sonia Gandhi, Congress President 12-12-2013
We have gone back to 1860. The UPA government will look at all options. The legislative option takes time but I am not ruling it out.
P Chidambaram, Finance Minister 12-12-2013
It is the prerogative of the Supreme Court if certain thing is right or not. The Supreme Court is the final arbiter.And the opinion of the Supreme Court must be respected by the Government. It is not proper for me to comment on this matter.
Kapil Sibal, Union Law Minister 11-12-2013
The government has already taken a stand that we need to decriminalise it but now that Supreme Court has said we will look in it.
Manish Tewari, I&B Minister 11-12-2013
There is a need to understand Supreme Court's verdict. It is not a legal definition. It has put forth this in front of the Parliament. Parliament standing committee on law and order will discuss it.
Sitaram Yechury, Politburo member, CPI(M) 11-12-2013
At a personal level, I am very disappointed. In this liberal world we live today this is not expected.
Derek O' Brien, Leader, Trinamool Congress 11-12-2013
I think this requires a lot of discussion (on section 377). Discriminating people who have a certain preference is not right. I think all human beings should be treated equally.
Mani Shankar Aiyar, Senior leader, Congress 11-12-2013
It is more a disappointment than dejection. I think that a historic opportunity has being lost.I think it is the position of a medieval mind-set. It is an issue of human rights. It has to be looked upon again.
Indira Jaising, Additional Solicitor General 11-12-2013
What?! Consensual gay sex ruled illegal in 2014? Shows you how badly India needs new young leaders with a modern outlook.
Chetan Bhagat, Novelist 11-12-2013
Questions of morality or religion are not the issue. How can a lifestyle choice be illegal? SC removes red lights for equality yet not #377.
Omar Abdullah, Chief Minister, J&K 11-12-2013
Parliament must decriminalize homosexuality immediately because this verdict is sending out a very wrong message internationally about where India is heading.
Milind Deora, IT Minister 11-12-2013
The Supreme Court has urged Parliament to delete Section 377 from the statute book. As an MP, I am strongly in favour of doing so.
Shashi Tharoor, Human Resources Minister 11-12-2013
I am most disappointed with this judgement. It feels very intolerant and violative of basic human rights. Its a shame.
Aamir Khan, Actor 11-12-2013
Personally, I think it is a retrograde judgement and it has no justice to a modern liberal India. If two consenting men and two consenting women...why should be illegal?
Jairam Ramesh, Union Minister 11-12-2013
Section 377 is not just a violation of human rights but also makes democracy seem like a mirage in our country.
Karan Johar, Film director 11-12-2013
We support the decision of Supreme Court. It is completely against the culture of the nation.
Ram Gopal Yadav, Samajwadi Party 12-12-2013

Section 377 verdict: We have gone back to 1860, says Finance Minister P Chidambaram

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