The Indian Supreme Court struck down a colonial-era law criminalizing intercourse between people of the same sex. The decision had some great human rights language, too:
“The inclusiveness that Indian society traditionally displayed, literally in every aspect of life, is manifest in recognising a role in society for everyone… It cannot be forgotten that discrimination is antithesis of equality, and that it is the recognition of equality which will foster the dignity of every individual.”
The amendment is only valid in New Delhi as of now, but a great first step. Very exciting!
Great news, but just wanted to mention that this is a ruling only of the Delhi High Court and not of the Indian Supreme Court as written above. Hopefully the Supreme Court will uphold the ruling as well — crossing fingers!
Although there isn’t sufficient clarity on the matter, a prior Supreme Court ruling makes it likely that the ruling is applicable across the country, not just in New Delhi. Fingers crossed.