Cabinet to discuss stand on decriminalising of gay sex

The Union Cabinet is likely to discuss tomorrow the suggestion of a three-member ministerial group which does not want to oppose Delhi High Court judgement decriminalising gay sex.

The cabinet note says that the three ministries, Home, Health and Law—have agreed to the document circulated by the law ministry suggesting that the judgement in the Supreme Court should not be opposed, official sources said. They said that the matter would be left to the Supreme Court to decide as it was hearing several petitions including those by religious groups.

Before finalising the note for the Union Cabinet, Home Minister P Chidambaram, Health Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad and Law Minister M Veerappa Moily had held series of meetings to arrive at a conclusion on the issue.

The Supreme Court had on August 17 sought a response from the government on petitions filed by a Christian body and a disciple of Yoga guru Ramdev seeking a stay on the Delhi High Court verdict legalising gay sex on the ground that  it will have a catastrophic effect on the society's moral fabric. The matter will again come up for hearing on September 14.