After the hearing in the Supreme Court:
The Indian government has filed a fresh affidavit in the Supreme Court seeking the opinions of states and union territories on the issue of same-sex marriages. The affidavit, filed by the Ministry of Home Affairs, states that the government has received several petitions seeking recognition of same-sex marriages in India. However, it adds that the issue requires a “wider consultation” with states and union territories.
The affidavit also notes that the issue of same-sex marriages is a “complex” one and requires “a careful and sensitive examination”. It states that the government is committed to ensuring the protection of the rights of the LGBTQ+ community and that it is working towards “ensuring equal rights for them in all spheres of life”.
The Supreme Court had previously issued notices to the Centre and several states on a plea seeking recognition of same-sex marriages under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. The petition, filed by LGBTQ+ activists, argued that denying same-sex couples the right to marry violated their fundamental rights.
This fresh affidavit from the government seeking the opinions of states and union territories is seen as a step towards a possible legal recognition of same-sex marriages in India.
About the Same-Sex Marriage Issue:
Same-sex marriage remains unrecognized in India’s legal system, which deprives same-sex couples of the same rights and protections granted to opposite-sex couples. The lack of legal recognition is due to several religious and cultural attitudes towards homosexuality that still persist in India. While some groups are more accepting of the LGBTQ+ community, others still view it as unnatural and immoral.
However, there has been a recent petition filed in the Supreme Court of India seeking legal recognition for same-sex marriages under the Hindu Marriage Act, 1955. The petition argues that the denial of marriage rights to same-sex couples is a violation of their fundamental rights.
Although legal recognition of same-sex marriages in India is a challenging and lengthy process, it is necessary to ensure equal rights and protection of the LGBTQ+ community. Greater awareness and education about LGBTQ+ issues are needed to promote a more open and accepting society that can eventually recognize and respect same-sex marriages.
In conclusion, legal recognition of same-sex marriages in India remains an ongoing struggle for the LGBTQ+ community. Nonetheless, the fight for equal rights and protection must continue to make India a more inclusive and accepting country for all its citizens.
