IndiasTopCourtEndsBanoIndiasTopCourtEndsBanonGaySexnGaySexIndias Supreme Court has struck down the countrys long-standing ban on gay sex.In a decision announced Thursday, all five judges who considered the case agreed that the ban should be removed.In reading the courts decision, Chief Justice Dipak Misra said the law had become a weapon for harassment against members of the LGBT community.The law barring sex between members of the same sex was first introduced by Indias British colonial rulers in 1861. The criminal act was punishable by up to 10 years in prison.The law was ended in 2009 by the Delhi High Court. But it was brought back in 2013 by the Supreme Court, making India one of the few countries that outlawed gay sex.But the latest Supreme Court decision found that sexual orientation is biological and should not be used to discriminate. Chief Justice Misra said, social morality cannot be used to violate the fundamental rights of even a single individual.Another justice, D.Y. Chandrachud, said while the court cannot change history, it can pave a way for a better future.Indias conservative government had opposed ending the law. But officials said they were leaving the decision to the wisdom of the Supreme Court. However, the government had warned that judges should not change laws relating to marriage rights.Rights groups and members of Indias LGBT community had campaigned for the Supreme Court to end the gay sex ban. Some celebrated in the streets near the court in New Delhi - cheering, dancing and waving flags.We feel as equal citizens now, activist Shashi Bhushan told the Associated Press. What happens in our bedroom is left to us.I am speechless! college student Rama Vij told the French Press Agency. Its taken a long time to come, but finally I can say I am free and I have equal rights as others.One of the people responsible for bringing the case to the Supreme Court was Debottam Saha, who spoke to Reuters. Im so excited, I have no words, he said.The head of the Muslim-led JIH (Jamaat-e-Islami Hind) political group condemned the courts decision. In a statement, Muhammad Salim Engineer said ending the ban on gay sex had put India on a path toward moral degradation.The statement said the JIH believes in the fundamental rights of all citizens. However, legalizing gay sex ignores religious teachings, our culture and the opinion of the overwhelming majority of the people, it added.A leader of the conservative nationalist group RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh) noted the organization does not believe that being gay should be a crime. However, the group said Indian society traditionally does not recognize gay relationships.Debottam Saha said Indias LGBT community will still likely face much discrimination. We are no longer criminals, (but) it will take time to change things on the ground - 20 to 30 years, maybe, he said.Sukhdeep Singh is a gay rights activist and editor of the magazine Gaylaxy. He said the community still has a long way to go to be legally with your partner.But he added that the court decision has surely opened the door for more changes in the future. This is the first battle that has been won and there are many more battles that we are going to fight, he said.Some new words and phrasesdiscrimination di.skriminein n. 歧视，辨别力，识别orientation .:rientein n. 信仰，趋向，定位，适应，情况介绍harassment 英 hrsm()nt; hrsm()nt 美 hrsmnt n. 骚扰；烦恼bar 英 b 美 br n. 障碍；法庭 vt. 禁止；阻拦 prep. 除外LGBT abbr. 同性恋、双性恋及变性者 （Lesbian Gay Bisexual Transgender）1.struck down 打倒He was struck down at the height of his career.他在事业达到巅峰时病逝了。2.equal rights 平等权利We will be justly demanding equal rights at work.我们将要求享有工作中应得的平等权利。3.colonial rulers 殖民统治者Thee resistance movement started a campaign of terror against the colonial rulers.抵抗运动开展了一场反对殖民统治者的恐怖活动。4.brought back 恢复She brought back the umbrella she borrowed.她把所借的伞归还了。5.Another justice, D.Y. Chandrachud, said while the court cannot change history, it can pave a way for a better future.pave a way for 为.做好准备；为.铺平道路6.He said the community still has a long way to go to be legally with your partner.has a long way to go .有很长的路要走Thank you!结束结束