Religions unite against new Indian gay laws

The Indian government’s recent relaxation of anti-gay laws may succeed where all other attempts have failed and bring together opposing religious groups, it emerged today.

Muslim organisations Darul Uloom Deoband and Jamiat Ulama-e-Hind have united with Hindu groups Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) to challenge the High Court verdict in New Delhi last week which overturned a 148-year-old law of the British rule criminalising homosexual acts. And members of the two religions are looking to persuade Christian groups to join them.