Frame new law if disappointed over SC gay sex verdict: BJP

Delhi,Politics,Immigration/Law/Rights, Thu, 12 Dec 2013 IANS

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New Delhi, Dec 12 (IANS) The Bharatiya Janata Party Thursday refrained from taking sides on the Supreme Court's judgment on same gender sex between adults, saying the government should consult all parties and frame a law.

"There is no need to be so disappointed. The Supreme Court has said the government can frame a law," Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Sushma Swaraj said in reply to a question on Congress chief Sonia Gandhi's statement on the judgment.

"Call an all-party meeting, draft a proposal. Just saying it is unfortunate won't serve any purpose," Sushma Swaraj said.

"We will react when we see the government's proposal. We cannot react to the apex court judgment," she added.

Earlier Thursday, Sonia Gandhi said she was "disappointed" that the apex court reversed the Delhi High Court ruling on the issue of gay rights.

"I hope parliament will address this issue and uphold constitutional guarantee of life and liberty to all citizens, including those directly affected by this judgment. We are proud that our culture has always been an inclusive and tolerant one," Sonia Gandhi said.

The Supreme Court Wednesday ruled that consensual sex between adults of the same gender was an offence, as held in Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code. It set aside the Delhi High Court verdict of 2009, which decriminalised sexual relationship between adults of the same gender under that law.

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