Americans across the board Thursday welcomed the overturning of a colonial-era law in India that criminalised gay sex, saying it was a victory for the LGBTQ rights and equality around the world.
The Supreme Court Thursday decriminalised part of the Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code that criminalises consensual gay sex, saying it was irrational, indefensible and manifestly arbitrary.
A five-judge constitution bench headed by Chief Justice Misra unanimously held that the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) community possess the same constitutional rights as other citizens of the country.
The influential LGBT Caucus in the US House of Representative said it was a piece of "good news".
"Good News! India's Supreme Court struck down an archaic colonial-era law criminalising consensual same-sex relationships. Today's historic ruling by the Supreme Court ends more than 150 years of discrimination against LGBT people in India," House LGBTQ Caucus said.
"History in India and a victory for LGBTQ rights and equality around the world. Love is love," Senator Dick Durbin tweeted.
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Chelsea Clinton, daughter of former US president Bill Clinton, described it a landmark verdict.
"India decriminalizes homosexual acts in landmark verdict!!!!!!!!!!" she said in a tweet.
"This decision by India's Supreme Court is an important step forward in ending discrimination against LGBT individuals," said Congressman Frank Pallone.
"As a founder of the Congressional India Caucus, I'm proud of the progress India has made toward protecting the rights of all individuals," he said.
The bench termed sexual orientation as a "biological phenomenon" and "natural" and held that any discrimination on this ground was violative of the fundamental rights.
"Pleased to learn of India's Supreme Court decision over