LGBTQ members celebrate the historic verdict

Bengaluru: The LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, queer) community and activists celebrated the Supreme Court’s landmark judgement on decriminalising homosexual love.

Parts of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, which criminalised consensual unnatural sex, are “irrational, indefensible and manifestly arbitrary”, the Supreme court said on Thursday. This made India the 26th country in the world where homosexuality is legal.

A five-judge Constitution bench of the Supreme Court unanimously decriminalised part of the 158-year-old colonial law under Section 377 of the IPC, which criminalises consensual unnatural sex, prompting joyous tears, hugs and dancing across the country.

Activists and LGBTQ members said that the society cannot dictate a sexual relationship between consenting adults

Members were seen celebrating, singing, dancing, cutting cakes and unfurling the rainbow flag in the city.