Washington: Expressing concern over the Indian Supreme Court's ruling restoring the ban on gay sex, the US has expressed its opposition to "any action that criminalises consensual same-sex conduct between adults".
"The United States places great importance on the protection of human rights and fundamental freedoms of all people and that includes lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) persons around the world," State Department spokesperson Jen Psaki told reporters Wednesday.
Noting that Secretary of State John Kerry had made a reference to LGBT persons in his statement on human rights day, she said: "We oppose any action that criminalizes consensual same-sex conduct between adults."
"LGBT rights are human rights," Psaki said. "That's something you've heard Secretary Kerry say, I believe Secretary (Hillary) Clinton say before him, and we call on all governments to advance equality for LGBT individuals around the world."
Asked if the US was planning to reach out to the Indian government to convey its views on the issue, she said: "We are in regular touch about these issues and others with India."
On its expectations of steps from the Indian Government or whether the US would encourage India to repeal the law, the spokesperson said: "That's a decision that the Indian government would make."
"We obviously don't make decisions on behalf of other governments and their legislation. So I expressed our deep concern about any efforts around the world to not recognize that LGBT rights are human rights, and that's a message we'll continue to convey."
