India’s most senior Catholic priest has called for gay sex to be made legal.

Oswald Gracias, president of Conference of Catholic Bishops in India, believes it is unfair to be harsh with LGBTI people.

“I believe maybe people have this orientation that God has given them and for this reason they should not be ostracised from society.”

“I have met some groups and associations of LGBTs and I had an understanding for them. I feel that homosexuality should not be criminalised. For me it’s a question of understanding that it’s an orientation.”

“The Church is concerned, and if you’re part of the Church you have to have compassion, sympathy and understanding toward them.”

Gracias has also spoken with other priests about toning down their language abouth homosexuality.