India: Progressive Muslim groups slam clerics, SC's verdict on Section 377

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/Muslim-groups-slam-clerics-SCs-verdict-on-Section-377/articleshow/27501217.cms

Muslim groups slam clerics, SC's verdict on Section 377
Mohammed Wajihuddin,TNN | Dec 17, 2013, 07.25 AM IST

MUMBAI: Echoing the sentiments of the LGBT community, some Muslim groups have opposed the Supreme Court's recent order which recriminalizes homosexuality. The groups have demanded scrapping of the draconian section 377.

In a statement signed by over 50 members, two NGOs--Muslims for Secular Democracy (MSD) and Muslim Women's Rights Network—have said that they are "shocked by the SC verdict which, instead of affirming the fundamental constitutional principle of non-discrimination between citizens, criminalises homosexuality." Muslim religious groups, including All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB), had supported the SC verdict as they vehemently opposed to homosexuality which they see as "sinful." However, MSD argues that in a democracy every group has right to choose the kind of lifestyle it wants. "While the clergy is entitled to its views on what does or does not constitute a sin, it must realize that in a democracy punishments are only prescribed for crime, not for sins. So they should stop playing god," said MSD's general secretary Javed Anand. He added that same sex relations between consenting adults is not a crime and those engaging in it are no less human than heterosexuals. "Leave alone their being treated as criminals, any kind of discrimination against them is entirely unacceptable," he said.

Hasina Khan of Muslim Women's Rights Network said that homosexuals constituted a minority and Section 377 violated the rights of this minority group. She also opposed the religious groups' arguments that scrapping 377 would give impetus to obscenity. "They have problem with live-in relationships too. It is two consenting adults right to choose the kind of relationship they want to make. This draconian act will give the cops a tool to harass homosexuals and so this must go," said Khan.