India’s supreme court has decriminalized homosexuality in a landmark ruling for global gay rights. The court struck down Section 377 of the Indian penal code, finding its ban on “carnal intercourse against the order of nature” breached the rights to life, liberty, and equality enshrined in the country’s constitution. Although prosecutions under Section 377—imposed by the British in 1860—are rare, activists say it was frequently used to blackmail gay and lesbian Indians and contributes to their marginalization, while also inhibiting efforts to fight diseases such as HIV/AIDS.
