Homosexuality is nothing more than sexual attraction towards a person of one's own sex. It is generally considered taboo in most countries around the world. Different societies respond differently to homosexuality. In most of Africa, Asia, and Latin America, both the topic and the behavior are considered taboo, with some slight exceptions in urban areas. In Western countries, attitudes were a little more liberal. Although the topic of homosexuality was little discussed in the public sphere during the early part of the 20th century, it became a political issue in many Western countries during the late 20th century. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an original essay Speaking of India, public discussion on homosexuality has been inhibited by the fact that sexuality in any form is rarely discussed openly. Homosexuals face a tremendous amount of hostility and discrimination. This is the case even among India's educated elite. In recent years, however, attitudes towards homosexuality have changed somewhat. In particular, there have been more depictions and discussions of homosexuality in Indian news and other media platforms. Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code states: “Whoever voluntarily has carnal intercourse against the order of nature with any man, woman or animal shall be punished with imprisonment for life or with imprisonment of any kind for a term which may extend to ten years". , and will also be liable to a fine. Simply put, Section 377 is a law introduced during the British era in 1860 and makes gay sex a crime for which the punishment can be life imprisonment. In 2009, the Delhi High Court had described Section 377, however, he appealed the decision to the Supreme Court as a violation of fundamental rights guaranteed by the Constitution. In 2013, the Supreme Court quashed the Delhi High Court order and criminalized homosexuality again and it was up to parliament to decide on abolishing the laws. The decision that gay sex is a criminal offense was seen as a serious step backwards for human rights and was also widely criticized. While prosecutions under section 377 have been rare, activists have said police have used the law to harass and intimidate members of the LGBT community. After the 2013 Supreme Court decision, prominent BJP leader Rajnath Singh had said, "We uphold Section 377 because we believe that homosexuality is an unnatural act and cannot be supported. In contrast, senior BJP leader Arun Jaitley had said, "When millions of people across the world have alternative sexual preferences, it is too late to support the idea that they should be jailed." Shashi Tharoor, Trinamool Congress leader Derek O' Brien, CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat, Aam Aadmi Party, among others, came out in support of the LGBT community and said homosexuality should be decriminalized (Source: NDTV.com ) Organizations like Naz Foundation Trust, Humsafar Trust, Udaan Trust, Union Health Ministry, The Law Commission of India have come out in support of decriminalization of homosexuality in India. Keep in mind: this is just one example. Get a custom paper from our expert writers now. Get a Custom Essay Religion has played a role in shaping Indian customs and traditions, one of the four canonical sacred texts of Hinduism, says Vikruti Evam Prakriti (what seems unnatural is also natural), which some scholars believe recognizes.