When was homosexuality decriminalized in India?
Asked by: Prof. Taya Jaskolski | Last update: February 11, 2026Score: 5/5 (54 votes)
Homosexuality was effectively legalized in India on September 6, 2018, when the Supreme Court struck down Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, a colonial-era law criminalizing consensual gay sex between adults, affirming LGBTQ+ individuals' fundamental rights to privacy, dignity, and equality. This landmark decision decriminalized homosexual acts, though it did not fully legalize same-sex marriage, which the Supreme Court later left to Parliament.
When was Section 377 decriminalized in India?
2018 Navtej Singh Johar v.
In 2018, after decades of grassroots activism, the application of section 377 of the Indian Penal Code to private consensual sex between men was ruled unconstitutional by India's Supreme Court, effectively decriminalizing homosexual activity.
Did Hinduism support LGBTQ?
The Hindu American Foundation, in its policy brief on Hindus and Homosexuality, notes that Hinduism does not provide a fundamental spiritual reason to reject or ostracize LGBTQ+ individuals, and that, “Given their inherent spiritual equality, Hindus should not socially ostracize LGBT individuals, but should accept them ...
Which state was the first to legalize homosexuality?
Massachusetts becomes the first state to legalize gay marriage.
What state has the highest homosexuality rate?
California has the most LGBTQ+ adults by total number due to its large population, but Washington D.C. has the highest percentage, followed by states like Oregon, Delaware, and Vermont, which have higher concentrations of LGBTQ+ individuals relative to their total residents. The South has the largest share of the total LGBTQ+ population, though the West (including California) has the most in sheer numbers, according to recent Williams Institute research.
India Supreme Court decriminalizes homosexuality: ''It's a giant celebration''
Who was the first country to decriminalize homosexuality?
Although France became the first country to decriminalize homosexual acts (1791) and inspired the first wave of decriminalization in Western Europe, Latin America and the Ottoman Empire, in the 19th century fewer than 25% of humans lived in a country which did not criminalize homosexual relations.
Can wife touch husband's feet in Hinduism?
According to tradition, when a wife touches her husband's feet, it symbolizes respect, devotion, and gratitude. This simple act is believed to strengthen the bond, bring harmony, and invite positive energy into the relationship. It also signifies blessings for a happy and prosperous married life.
Who is the goddess of Lgbtq?
Ishtar. Also known as Inanna in some interpretations of myth and history, the Mesopotamian goddess Ishtar is often celebrated as a queer deity of empowerment for her link to gender fluidity and, in some stories and myths, nonbinary identity.
When did homosexuality become legal?
The Sexual Offences Act 1967 made changes so that homosexual men over the age of 21 could have sexual relationships, in private. In 1994 a further change saw it reduced to those aged over 18.
Is sodomy illegal?
In addition, PC 286 sodomy can be filed as either a misdemeanor or felony, called a “wobbler.” The crime of sodomy is divided by statute depending on the victim's age and whether the act was consensual. If two adults engage in sodomy consensually, it's not illegal.
Who challenged Section 377 in India?
The petition, filed by dancer Navtej Singh Johar, challenged Section 377 of the Penal Code on the ground that it violated the constitutional rights to privacy, freedom of expression, equality, human dignity and protection from discrimination.
Do god accept LGBTQ?
Jesus said the same thing about gay people that he said about all people: God loves you beyond your wildest imagining and calls you to walk in love with God and with each other. He also said a whole lot about welcoming the stranger, embracing the outcast, ministering to the marginalized and loving ?
Who is the god of bisexuality?
Apollo: The God of Bisexuality.
Did homosexuality exist in Greek mythology?
Homoeroticism is a prominent theme in Greco-Roman mythology, with many myths depicting intimate and romantic relationships between men.
Which country is 100% atheist?
A 2023 Gallup International survey found that Sweden was the country with the highest percentage of citizens that stated they do not believe in a god. In 2020, the majority (78%) of the global nonreligious or unaffiliated demographic resided in Asia-Pacific.
What does the Bible say about sexless?
1 Corinthians 7:3-5 says that, for a limited time, spouses may agree to not have sex in order to more fully devote themselves to prayer. However, this passage also reminds husbands and wives to “come together again” so as not to be tempted.
Why does wife sleep on the left side of husband Hindu?
It is always good to have space on both sides of the bed. If there is one side bed it indicates a block of energy in a relationship. The right side is male energy and the left side is female energy. Hence wife should always sleep on the left side of the husband.
What does kissing someone's feet symbolize?
Kissing feet is a powerful gesture symbolizing deep reverence, submission, and gratitude, historically used to honor rulers, deities, or respected elders, signifying ultimate loyalty or love, but can also be an intimate expression in personal relationships. It conveys humility, acknowledging another's sacred dignity, surrendering ego, and expressing extreme thankfulness or devotion, sometimes as a cultural practice in places like Ethiopia or parts of Muslim cultures.
What are 7 promises in Hindu marriage?
In southern and western India, the seven stops are completed with the recitation of vows: Now let us make a vow together. We shall share love, share the same food, share our strengths, share the same tastes. We shall be of one mind, we shall observe the vows together.
Which country is the most accepting of gays?
Globally, the average level of acceptance for LGBTI people has increased since 1980. Iceland, Norway, the Netherlands, Sweden, and Canada are the top five most accepting countries, and acceptance has increased over time.
What culture started homosexuality?
Evidence of same-sex sexual behavior dates back to the oldest written texts, first noted in Egypt 4,400 years ago, and subsequently found in ancient Greece, Rome, and China. Additionally, same-sex mating behavior has been documented in a broad range of animal species, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and insects.
What happened in 1969 for gays?
In 1969, the Stonewall Riots erupted in New York City after a police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar, sparking days of protests and clashes that ignited the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement, symbolizing a pivotal shift from quiet resistance to vocal demands for equality, leading to greater community organization and the annual Pride parades.
Which religion has the most LGBTQ people?
Christianity. Several denominations within Christianity accept LGBTQ members, affirm LGBTQ relationships, and permit the ordination of openly LGBTQ candidates for their ministries. In addition to denominations many independent churches support LGBTQ members.