Heads of various religious group Sunday welcomed the decision of the Supreme Court criminalising homosexuality and said the verdict was in line with eastern traditions and India's moral values and religious teachings.

 

 The apex court's Dec 11 verdict declared homosexuality an offence.

 

 "The decision of the Supreme Court on Article 377 is not only in line with the eastern traditions of this country, moral values and religious teachings but it also removes  apprehensions about invasion of western culture and disintegration of the family system and fabric of social life," said an official statement by the Jamaat-e-Islami Hind.

 

 The Jamaat-e-Islami Hind, Jatthedar Akal Takht, Ahimsa Vishwa Dharma and Delhi Minorities Commission were among the signatories at a convention held here.

 

 "The constitution of the country has rightly described homosexuality as a punishable offence. It is because homosexuality not only prevents evolution and progress of human race but also destroys family system and social relations," the statement said.

 

 "Moreover, it is a great danger to public health and medical research has found it as a basic reason for the spread of AIDS."

 

 The representatives also warned the government and political parties that they will never accept if the government tries to amend the law and instead asked it to accept the court's decision.