Religious leaders from almost all major faiths in India pledged to launch a nationwide campaign against any attempt to decriminalise homosexuality at a public convention organised by Jamaat-e-Islami Hind at India Islamic Cultural Centre in the national capital on 29 December. All religious leaders unequivocally endorsed the call given by JIH and expressed happiness to see all religious representatives at a single platform ready to protect society from the menace which would only result in social disorder and moral degradation of society and family values and family system.
Presiding over the meeting, Maulana Syed Jalaluddin Omari, Amir, JIH clarified that even though such unnatural practice was prevalent in India from the ages in one way or the other it was considered unnatural and nobody was willing to live forever. “It was there but not in the present form and manner,” he asserted. Maulana Omari also said that leaders from various backgrounds generally come together for political purpose but it is good to see almost all religious leaders have the same thought on this issue which is remarkable and noteworthy. The JIH leader also said that the most vital and significant aspect of the SC order, apart from the order to criminalise homosexuality, also mentioned specifically that the earlier High Court order was given under the influence from the culture and traditions of the West.
Leaders of Muslim, Christian, Jain and Sikh communities along with other religious scholars adopted a resolution at the public convention which said that homosexuality is a menace and it will harm India’s religious, social and cultural values.
Acharya Dr. Lokesh Muni, founder president Ahimsa Vishwa Dharma said it is easier to destroy the norms of society than to build societal norms, and the efforts of the JIH to prevent the society from the social disorder are highly appreciating. It is a conspiracy and the conspirators are eyeing vulnerable sections. Acharya lamented, it is being said that if the relationship is consensual and the two partners agree then it is not a crime. So I would like to raise a valid question that in the case of dowry or bribery if there is agreement from the both sides, can it be allowed and permissible by citing freedom? “Will the law of the land allow it?” he thundered.
The resolution urged the parliamentarians to accept the Supreme Court order with open heart. Mr. Gurwachan Singh, Jattehdar Akal Takht praised the initiative of the JIH and assured all help and support of any campaign anywhere in the country and the entire Sikh community will support the initiative. He categorically said homosexuality is against the religious tents of all religions and against the nature and all must speak against such social evils which are harmful for our social fabric and social ethos.
Mr. Safdar H. Khan, Chairman Delhi Minorities Commission congratulated the efforts of the JIH in this direction and assured all necessary help in raising the issue at government level. Safdar said that while interacting and meeting lots of people in his capacity of Delhi Minority Commission chief he had come to know that most of the HIV/AIDS cases are because of homosexuality.
Jagatguru Shankar Achariya Swami Omkaranand said that it would be wrong to held any country responsible for it as many believe that such practice has come from the western world because the entire world is guided by one Almighty and no doubt India has got rich social traditions, family relations and behaviour with one another with parents, neighbours, which is not so strong in the west. Our efforts should be to address the root cause and find out solutions by reaching out to those who believe that homosexuality is not a crime.
Religious leaders unanimously endorsed the call given by JIH to organise demonstrations across the length and breadth of the country, if there is any attempt by the government to decriminalise homosexuality. Father MD Thomas, National Director Religious Harmony, while addressing the gathering said that the issue must be discussed in wider connotation with all ramifications and dimensions which encompass many societal evils and practices.
Shia Imam, Hujjatul Islam Mohsin Naqvi said the presence and the agreement of all religious leaders on a single point that homosexuality is unnatural portrays one another message that religion spreads peace and not violence. It is because of political leaders that violence takes place when they misuse religion.
Towards the end, a power point presentation was presented by Sikandar Azam, Editor Radiance, to make people aware of the issue, justification against such an unnatural practice, demolishing myths created to justify homosexuality, its medical, social and ultimate repercussions, its remedial measures and responsibilities of Muslims in this regard.
The programme was coordinated by Mr. Mohd Salim Engineer Natioal secretary, JIH and vote of thanks was delivered by Mr. Abdul Waheed, Zonal Amir JIH Delhi & Haryana.