Gay sex should not be punishable: RSS

Updated: Friday, March 18, 2016, 13:04 [IST]

Mumbai, March 18: The RSS opinion about gay sex has taken the world by surprise. In a significant statement, RSS joint general Dattatreya Hosabale said,"I don't think homosexuality should be considered a criminal offence as long as it does not affect the lives of others in society."

To a question on whether homosexuality is a crime as considered under Article 377 IPC, he added,"sexual preferences are private and personal. Why should RSS express its views in a public forum? RSS has no view on that. It is for people to have their way. Personal preference of sex is not discussed in RSS and we don't even want to discuss that."

According to the Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code, homosexuality is considered unnatural and carries a maximum punishment of 10 years in jail. Recently, there have been mass campaigns demanding the decriminalisation of homosexuality.