Bollywood stars condemn India's criminalization of homosexuality

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      While much attention has focused on Russia's antigay legislation in the leadup to the Winter Olympics, India has also moved in an unfortunate similar direction when it comes to LGBT rights.

      On December 11, India's Supreme Court overturned a 2009 lower court decision to decriminalize homosexuality. The controversial ruling is a major blow to LGBT rights in the South Asian country.

      According to Section 377, a same-sex relationship is an "unnatural offence" and is punishable by a 10-year jail term. The law is 153 years old, dating from the country's colonial era.

      The 2009 New Delhi High Court ruling stated that the law violated basic human rights. The decision faced backlash from conservative and religious groups.

      While LGBT rights activists have vowed to fight the Supreme Court ruling, numerous Bollywood stars also took to Twitter to express their disappointment and disbelief.

       

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