Indians react to recriminalization of homosexuality in world's largest democracy

India's Supreme Court has reversed a ruling by the Delhi High Court in 2009. Now, only the national legislature can legalize gay sex. The decision revalidates a British Colonial law dating from the 1860's, stating that "whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal" can be punished by up to 10 years in prison.

    At least 1500 species are said to engage in homosexual behavior.

     The AP reported that "in a rare alliance, the groups — including the All India Muslim Law Board, Christian groups and Hindu spiritual leaders — argued that gay sex is unnatural and that India should maintain the law."

Reaction from Human Rights Watch:

"The Supreme Court's ruling is a disappointing setback to human dignity, and the basic rights to privacy and non-discrimination," the group said in a statement. "But now the government should do what it should have done in the first place and seek to repeal section 377."

From CNN-IBM: