Washington, October 19 – In a move signaling solidarity with the global LGBTQ community, the United States has called upon India to take proactive measures in extending equal legal protection to same-sex couples. This call comes in the wake of India’s Supreme Court’s recent decision not to legalize same-sex marriage, instead deferring the matter to the parliament.
Disappointment Grips LGBTQ Community
The unanimous decision by a five-judge bench on Tuesday, which rejected the legalization of same-sex marriage, has left India’s LGBTQ community disheartened. This ruling comes five years after the court took a progressive step by scrapping a colonial-era ban on gay sex.
“United States Stands for Marriage Equality”
A spokesperson from the U.S. State Department emphasized the global support for marriage equality, stating, “The United States supports marriage equality globally. We are closely monitoring follow-up steps from the government and reactions from civil society on this issue following the court’s ruling.”
Encouragement for Legal Protections
Despite opposition from India’s nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government, which argued that same-sex marriage does not align with the traditional Indian family structure, the U.S. State Department remains unwavering in its support for LGBTQ rights. The spokesperson concluded, “We will continue to voice our support for marriage equality and protections for LGBTQI+ persons against discrimination and encourage the Indian government to take the necessary steps to offer equal legal protection to same-sex couples.”
Global Struggle for Acceptance
This development underscores the broader challenge of acceptance for same-sex marriage in Asia, a continent where conservative values still hold sway in many nations. The U.S. State Department noted its ongoing engagement with the Indian government on human rights concerns, including LGBTQ rights, as part of its commitment to advocating for equal rights worldwide.
Legal Interpretation vs. Lawmaking
Chief Justice of India, D.Y. Chandrachud, emphasized the court’s role as an interpreter of laws rather than a lawmaker, reinforcing the importance of parliamentary action in deciding on issues of this nature. As conservative values continue to influence the discourse on same-sex marriage in Asia, the struggle for recognition and legal protection for LGBTQ individuals persists on a global scale.