In India, same-sex couples continue to face legal challenges when it comes to marriage recognition. The Indian government’s Ministry of Law recently filed a statement with the Supreme Court opposing the legalisation of same-sex marriage, arguing that marriage recognition is exclusively for heterosexual couples. The statement emphasizes that the existing legislation’s “legal relationship of marriage” is reserved only for a man and a woman represented as husband and wife.
This legal challenge comes after several same-sex couples have appealed to the Supreme Court to recognise their marriage, with a growing chorus of voices calling for equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community in India. Despite progress in recent years, including the decriminalisation of same-sex relationships in 2018, India continues to grapple with deep-seated societal prejudices towards the LGBTQ+ community.
The Indian government’s position is at odds with a growing number of countries that have recognised same-sex marriage, including nearby Nepal and Taiwan. While some Indian states, such as Kerala and Tamil Nadu, have implemented progressive measures to protect the LGBTQ+ community’s rights, this latest filing by the government highlights the ongoing struggle for equality and justice in the country.
In response to the government’s stance, the LGBTQ+ community in India has expressed its disappointment and frustration. Activists have taken to social media to voice their support for equal rights and push back against the government’s anti-LGBTQ+ stance. Despite the uphill battle, the fight for equality continues, with many hoping that the Supreme Court will rule in favour of the LGBTQ+ community and recognise their right to marry.
As the world continues to make progress towards greater acceptance and inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community, India’s stance on same-sex marriage is a stark reminder that there is still much work to be done. The legal battle in the Supreme Court is just one part of the broader struggle for equal rights and representation for the LGBTQ+ community in India and beyond.