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AIZAWL: While the Indian state has remarkably softened its stand on gays, the church in Mizoram has kicked off a controversy by threatening to act against homosexuality.
On Saturday, the Baptist Church of Mizoram said it would take “strong punitive action”, including ex-communication, against homosexuals in the flock. The highest assembly of the BCM, the second most powerful church body in Mizoram after the Presbyterian church, has effectively ruled that homosexuality should be outlawed, Church leaders said here.
Over 900 church leaders attended the meeting held at BCM Bazaar Church at Lawngtlai in South Mizoram, about 300 km from Aizawl. It was chaired by Rev C Rothuama.
According to BCM guidelines, same-sex relationships, abortions and birth control are strictly prohibited in Mizoram. But BCM is not against medical termination of pregnancy when a woman’s life is in danger.
The controversy surrounding the church and homosexuality had begun in Mizoram last July after the Delhi high court struck down Section 377 of the IPC, which criminalised consensual gay sex among adults. The court had then observed that the section violated fundamental rights of life and liberty and the right to equality as enshrined in the Constitution.
Immediately after the order, Mizo church leaders came out in open opposition. Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee, an umbrella organisation, appealed to law minister Veerappa Moily to uphold Section 377. MKHC comprises all major churches in the state. The Mizoram Presbyterian Church also sent a letter to Moily, requesting him to uphold Section 377.
In Mizoram, homosexuals and transvestites were banned by the British in 1909. Churches and social organisations still believe the ban should be made applicable in the state.
On Saturday, the Baptist Church of Mizoram said it would take “strong punitive action”, including ex-communication, against homosexuals in the flock. The highest assembly of the BCM, the second most powerful church body in Mizoram after the Presbyterian church, has effectively ruled that homosexuality should be outlawed, Church leaders said here.
Over 900 church leaders attended the meeting held at BCM Bazaar Church at Lawngtlai in South Mizoram, about 300 km from Aizawl. It was chaired by Rev C Rothuama.
According to BCM guidelines, same-sex relationships, abortions and birth control are strictly prohibited in Mizoram. But BCM is not against medical termination of pregnancy when a woman’s life is in danger.
The controversy surrounding the church and homosexuality had begun in Mizoram last July after the Delhi high court struck down Section 377 of the IPC, which criminalised consensual gay sex among adults. The court had then observed that the section violated fundamental rights of life and liberty and the right to equality as enshrined in the Constitution.
Immediately after the order, Mizo church leaders came out in open opposition. Mizoram Kohhran Hruaitute Committee, an umbrella organisation, appealed to law minister Veerappa Moily to uphold Section 377. MKHC comprises all major churches in the state. The Mizoram Presbyterian Church also sent a letter to Moily, requesting him to uphold Section 377.
In Mizoram, homosexuals and transvestites were banned by the British in 1909. Churches and social organisations still believe the ban should be made applicable in the state.
