Two-day symposium in Srinagar discusses homosexuality issue

Srinagar, July 19 (ANI): A two-day seminar themed "Theories of Islamic Law: The methodology of Ijtihad" held in Srinagar discussed the issue of homosexuality among other social problems faced by present-day society.

Organised by the University of Kashmir in collaboration with the Institute of Objective Studies, New Delhi, the event saw religious scholars and academicians deliberating on the ways to explore means and methods of Ijtihad (the analysis of problems not covered precisely in the Qur'an) to find solutions to contemporary problems in the light of original sources of Sharia (Quran and Sunnah).

"We discussed the main issues that are coming forth and also how to solve them in the light of religion and law," said Prof. Naseem Raifiabadi of the Kashmir University on the concluding day on Sunday.

The Delhi High Court recently ruled that gay sex and lesbian relationships were no longer a crime, a verdict that strengthened demands by gay and health groups for the government to scrap a British colonial law, which bans homosexual sex under section 377 of Indian Criminal Procedure Code and has provision of punishment for indulging in it.

But, the court verdict was received with heavy criticism by all religious groups in India saying it would lead to moral degradation in the society and demanded that the court's ruling be annulled.

Meanwhile, in Srinagar, large number of students participated in the two-day symposium, in which other social issues like crime, dowry and women rights were also deliberated upon.

However, the issue of homosexuality was the focus point of the seminar.

Participants expressed their concern about the Delhi High Court's ruling, which legalised homosexual relationships.

"Quran is something, which has been there for ages and whatever the Quran says it's applicable. Quran has no such provisions for queer relationship, so who are we to legalise it?" said Nida Khan, a delegate. (ANI)