Nepal Becomes First South Asian Country To Officially Register Same-Sex Marriage

In the heart of South Asia, Nepal has just made a groundbreaking move. It’s the first country in our region to officially recognize same-sex marriage. This is a big deal, especially considering the traditional views on marriage in our part of the world.

There is a couple Surendra and Maya. They’re like any other couple in love. Surendra’s 27, identifies as gay, and Maya’s 35, a trans-woman. They’ve been living the married life for six years, with their families totally on board. But here’s the twist – until now, their marriage wasn’t legally recognized.

Now, let’s rewind to 2007. Nepal’s Supreme Court was already cool with same-sex marriage. And in 2015, their Constitution made it clear: no discrimination based on sexual orientation. Sounds progressive, right? But, here’s the catch – there weren’t any laws to back this up.

Fast forward to June 2023, the Supreme Court steps in again. They’re like, “Let’s make this official,” and legalize same-sex marriage. But it wasn’t all smooth sailing. A few months back, Kathmandu District Court hit the brakes, saying, “Hold up, we need proper laws for this.”

Despite these hiccups, Surendra and Maya’s love story finds its happy ending. Their marriage gets the official stamp in the Dordi Rural Municipality of Lamjung district. This isn’t just a win for them; it’s a historic moment for the entire LGBTQ+ community in South Asia.

Pinky, who heads the Blue Diamond Society in Nepal, is over the moon. She says this is not just a victory for Nepal but a beacon of hope for South Asia. It opens doors for others in the LGBTQ+ community to live openly and enjoy the same rights.

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So, what does this mean for the region? Well, it’s a sign of changing times. A step towards acceptance and equality, showing that love knows no bounds. As Pinky puts it, it’s a chance for many to step out of the shadows and embrace their true selves.