World Association for Sexual Health applauds Indian High Court for striking down law against homosexuality

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WAS STATEMENT India July 09.pdf

New York, NY, July 6, 2009 — The World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) welcomes the landmark judgement of the High Court of India in that the 140 year law against homosexuality is unconstitutional.

In the light of this, WAS urges the Indian Government to annul the law that criminalizes homosexuality and encourages all other governments with similar legislation to seriously consider doing likewise.

Scientific evidence indicates that homosexual orientation is not a matter of choice and that an important number of persons have this natural expression of human sexuality in all populations.

All people have the right to a happy, healthy and consensual, adult relationship. The right to lead one’s life free from discrimination on the grounds of race, ethnicity, religious beliefs, gender, economic status or sexual orientation is fundamental. It is every government’s duty to protect all their citizens, without exception.
WAS therefore appeals to all governments to ensure equal rights for all their citizens through dismantling discriminatory laws and establishing protective legislation.

The World Association for Sexual Health (WAS) promotes sexual health throughout the lifespan and through the world by developing, promoting and supporting sexology and sexual rights for all. WAS accomplishes this by advocacy actions, networking, facilitating the exchange of information, ideas and experiences and advancing scientifically based sexuality research, sexuality education and clinical sexology, with a trans-disciplinary approach.