BJP maintains guarded silence on Supreme Court verdict against homosexuality

NEW DELHI: BJP today maintained a guarded silence on the Supreme Court verdict against homosexuality by evading any formal reaction but party leaders said while people should have the right to practice their tendencies the views of society also need to be factored in.

"Section 377 of IPC only bans sexual conduct that goes against the order of nature. A reading down of this law can be that to be born with gay tendencies cannot be against the order of nature.

"The court does not have to legalise or illegalise such a thing. It is not against the order of nature," a party leader said.

Some BJP leaders maintained that there was no need for the Supreme Court to strike down Section 377.

However, some BJP leaders cautioned that the party cannot openly take a stand for or against this issue as it may hurt public sentiments and conventional notions prevalent in society.

"One has to keep in mind that this issue is taboo in society. A lesbian or gay couple may have to face social stigma. Even the family members of such people have to face jibes and are shunned by some sections of the society," another leader said.

Some BJP leaders maintained that it should be left to the individuals concerned and no law for or against any sexual relations which are based on consent are needed.

However, the party did not come out with any structured response to the court judgement.