“The decision of Delhi High Court is against the religious, moral and social fabric of India. Homosexuality is unnatural. Not even animals indulge in this. The sexual relations between husband and wife are meant for the reproduction purpose as well as to keep up the family system. The whole society but a microscopic minority is against it,” said Amir Jamaat-e-Islami Hind Maulana Syed Jalaluddin Umari while addressing a joint press conference in the Capital on July 9.
Representatives of various religious bodies analysed from various angles including religion, morality and health, the implications of July 2 judgment of Delhi High Court, which legalises homosexuality.
Presenting the Islamic perspective on homosexuality, Maulana Umari pointed out, “Islam takes a very serious view of this. Under Islamic law it is a punishable offence”. He came down heavily on the role of media for glamorising this issue. Maulana Umari criticised those who are not in favour of religious interference in this issue. The JIH Amir further added that it is not a question of Fundamental Rights because they are not absolute. Fundamental Rights are “subject to public order, morality and health”.
“I strongly feel that it is a conspiracy to tarnish the moral values of our country. If homosexuality is permitted then the whole family system would be destroyed”.
He appealed to the well meaning citizens of the country to launch a nationwide protest against the decriminalising of homosexuality.
Jain leader Acharya Lokesh Muniji said, “Those who believe in traditional Indian system are concerned about legalising homosexuality. I am not against personal freedom, nonetheless, just in the name of personal freedom degradation of our moral values cannot be permitted. Moral values are key to Indian traditional system.”
Shedding light on Mahavir Jain’s teachings regarding sexual behaviour, Muniji added, “Bhagwan Mahavir has set limits for sexual activities and homosexuality certainly is against the basic tenets of Jainism.”
Acharya Muniji endorsed Maulana Umari’s views that legalising homosexuality “is a conspiracy to rob us of our traditional value system”. He vociferously called for revision of this judgment. He appealed to the government to take a very considerate view on this issue. According to Muniji, same sex sexual relation is a very unhealthy practice. Answering a question Acharya Muniji denounced homosexuality as “immoral, unethical, unnatural and unhealthy practice”.
Director Delhi Catholic Archdiocese Father Dr. Dominic Emmanuel however took a contradictory stand when he stated, “Although homosexuality is unnatural, yet we do not consider homosexuality a crime. The natural laws cannot be bended. Nature has accorded moral status to the familial bonds. We are not against striking down Article 377 but we fear that it will prove helpful in spreading the deadly disease of AIDS.” When confronted on this contradictory stand, Father Dominic clarified, “We are always with the homosexuals rather we sympathise with them. We are ready to help them out in any way possible to give up this habit.”
He blamed the media for creating an unnecessary hype over this issue. In Father Emmanuel’s views a huge section of the society including the media has misunderstood the striking down of Article 377 of the Indian Penal Code. He insisted that if the religious teachings do not permit homosexuality then it should not be given legal sanction at all come what may.
Chairman of the Pracharak Committee of Delhi Sikh Gurudwara Prabandhak Committee Sardar Tarsem Singh revealed that the Sikh religion does not permit homosexuality, in spite of this Sikh religion does not consider homosexuals criminals. “Homosexuals are always a mentally depressed lot,” said he.
These religious leaders appealed to the government to intervene in this matter and declare in clear terms that unnatural sex is unacceptable and illegal.