We have gone back to 1860, says Chidambaram on gay sex verdict: highlights

New Delhi: The Supreme Court yesterday reinstated a ban on gay sex in a major setback for rights campaigners in the world's biggest democracy. In an interview with NDTV, Finance Minister P Chidambaram said he is 'extremely disappointed' with the verdict.

Here are the highlights:

• Extremely disappointed with the judgement
• Reasoning of judgement worrying, LGBTs are a reality, they have existed for centuries
  
• We have gone back to 1860
• In 2013, to say everyone should have same sexual orientation is absurd
  
• UPA will look at all options
• Petition legislative option takes time, but I am not ruling it out
• Our knowledge of physiology and psychology was poor in 1860, now to say same sexual intercourse is against order of nature is retrograde
• Attorney General to explore options to bring curative petition for matter to go to a larger bench
  
• Government should file curative petition, ask for matter to be reviewed by bench of 5 judges
• We didn't change the law as there was no need as it had been read down by High Court
• Supreme Court should have applied current social values- same court allowed live in and out of wed lock children
• Even if it is one citizen, his right should be considered
• Freedom resides in the people
• LGBT community has right to have sex as they wish to