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Bollywood star Abhishek Bachchan says legalisation of gay sex is a ‘wonderful step’

Sep 14 2018
Written by Ella Braidwood

TORONTO, ON – SEPTEMBER 11: Abhishek Bachchan attends the “Husband Material” premiere during 2018 Toronto International Film Festival at Roy Thomson Hall on September 11, 2018 in Toronto, Canada. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images for TIFF)

Indian actor Abhishek Bachchan has praised the legalisation of gay sex in his country as a “wonderful step in the right direction.”

On September 6, the five judges of India’s Supreme Court were unanimous in their decision to overturn the ban on consensual same-sex relations, which was previously punishable by a sentence up to life in prison.

Homosexuality had been illegal ever since a law, banning sexual activity “against the order of nature,” was introduced in 1861 when India was under the rule of the British Empire.

Indian members and supporters of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community celebrate the Supreme Court decision to strike down a colonial-era ban on gay sex, in Mumbai on September 6, 2018. - India's Supreme Court on September 6 struck down the ban that has been at the centre of years of legal battles. "The law had become a weapon for harassment for the LGBT community," Chief Justice Dipak Misra said as he announced the landmark verdict. (Photo by INDRANIL MUKHERJEE / AFP) (Photo credit should read INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP/Getty Images)

The Supreme Court’s decision was unanimous in legalising gay sex. (INDRANIL MUKHERJEE/AFP/Getty)

Highlighting how the criminalisation gay sex was the result of colonial legislation, Bachchan told Associated Press: “I think what’s wonderful is for a country, which is merely 70 years old, to take a step like that shows the kind of progression that’s happening in India, especially from the mindset of the youth.

“So, I think it’s a wonderful step in the right direction, and these things will start reflecting a lot more, there will be a lot more freedom.”

The 42-year old actor is known for starring in Indian films like Dhoom (2004) and Kabhi Alvida Naa Kehna (2006).

Other top Bollywood stars have previously lauded the legalisation of gay sex in India.

Aamir Khan, one of the most successful actors in Indian cinema, posted to his 23 million followers on Twitter: “We thank the Supreme Court for its decision to strike down article 377.

“It is a historic day for people who believe in equal rights for all. The judiciary has done it’s duty, and now we must do ours.”

Indian members of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender (LGBT) community celebrate outside the Supreme Court after the decision to strike down the colonial-era ban on gay sex in New Delhi on September 6, 2018. - India's Supreme Court on September 6 struck down the ban that has been at the centre of years of legal battles. "The law had become a weapon for harassment for the LGBT community," Chief Justice Dipak Misra said as he announced the landmark verdict. (Photo by Sajjad HUSSAIN / AFP) (Photo credit should read SAJJAD HUSSAIN/AFP/Getty Images)

LGBT+ rights supporters celebrate the legalisation of gay sex in India. (SAJJAD HUSSAIN/AFP/Getty)

Producer and actor Akshay Kumar, who has appeared in more than 100 Hindi films in his more than 25-year long career, tweeted to his nearly 28 million followers: “A historic day for India! Love for all, freedom for all RIP #Section377.”

Actor Sonam Kapoor, who starred in Raanjhanaa (2013), Khoobsurat (2014) and Dolly Ki Doli (2015), wrote on Twitter: “This is the india I want to live in. Not one filled with hate, bigotry,sexism homophobia and intolerance. THIS is the India I love. ”

And Preity Zinta, who played roles in two annual top-grossing films in the country, Koi… Mil Gaya (2003) and Veer-Zaara (2004), wrote: “‘If you have a heart you should be free to love who you want.’ ❤️ So Happy to hear that the Supreme Court of India has abolished #section377 decriminalising Homosexuality.”

Watch the Associated Press’ interview with Abhishek Bachchan video below: