: Coalition for Sex Workers and Sexual Minorities Rights (CSMR) today said the Supreme Court's decision to uphold the constitutional validity of the penal provision making gay sex an offence punishable with upto life imprisonment was "deeply disappointing."
"We are deeply disappointed at the decision of the Supreme Court in Suresh Kumar Kaushal v. Naz Foundation. The decision by overturning the historic Delhi High Court judgement
which recognised that Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender (LGBT) persons are full citizens of India, attempts to stem the tide of history," CSMR said in a release.
"By overturning the Naz Foundation judgement, the Supreme Court has in one fell stroke again reduced LGBT persons to the status of what the Delhi High Court memorably called 'unapprehended felons', it added.
The Supreme Court verdict was an "unconscionable blow" to the dignity of LGBT persons who as per the Indian Constitution are entitled to equal treatment, it said.
"It (the verdict) withdraws the protective arm of the constitution from LGBT persons and renders LGBT persons vulnerable to discrimination, violence and harassment.
