By Patrick B. Craine
NEW DELHI, India, December 17, 2009 (LifeSiteNews.com) - A delegation of Indian religious leaders, led by the Catholic Archbishop of New Delhi, Vincent M. Concessao, has called for the repeal of a summer court decision that decriminalized homosexual acts.
In July, the Delhi High Court overturned the 150-year-old law banning homosexual acts, stating that it violated "fundamental rights." The same month, the country's Supreme Court agreed to hear an appeal of the ruling, but indicated that they wanted to first hear the stance of the government on the issue.
Archbishop Concessao and his delegation met with Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on December 9th to ask that this "illegal and immoral" decision be overturned.
"[The Prime Minister] told us the government has no opinion and has left it to the Supreme Court to decide on the ruling," stated Archbishop Concessao, according to The Hindu. "But he also said that he is aware of the danger and consequences of the ruling. He seems to realise the threat on the social fabric of our society."
Earlier this week, a Vatican representative explained the Catholic Church's position on the treatment of homosexuals, condemning "all grave violations of human rights against homosexual persons," but also advocating "just discrimination" based on the natural law.
The Bishops of India are particularly concerned that the decriminalization of homosexual acts could lead to a positive legalization of homosexuality and the recognition of various homosexual "rights," such as same-sex "marriage" and adoption.
"Homosexuals have a tendency to influence others so there is a need to counsel these people without destroying their human dignity," Archbishop Concessao said.
See LifeSiteNews.com coverage:
Interview: The Vatican on Just vs. Unjust Discrimination Based on Sexual Orientation
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/dec/09121512.html
Indian Government Expected to Accept Court Ruling that Legalizes Homosexual Sex Acts
http://www.lifesitenews.com/ldn/2009/sep/09090210.html