The future of one hundred million LGBTQIA Indians is at stake. For the last seventy five years the Indian Parliament has evaded – nay stonewalled – debate on LGBTQIA marriage and the consequent benefits to same-sex couples it entails. True, the Supreme Court is to pronounce its judgement on the issue anytime soon but it can only give a declaration which per se will not change the ground conditions. During the course of hearings the Solicitor General of India had requested the five judge constitution bench ‘to let Parliament legislate.’ So be it.
Since efforts are afoot towards reformation of Uniform Civil Code, this is the time for LGBTQIA marriage issue to be discussed, debated and decided upon. The issue of same-sex marriage will have ramifications extending to all personal (religious) laws directly or even if Special Marriage Act is invoked by same-sex couples. So it makes sense to address the issue affecting one hundred million LGBTQIA community and then proceed on to tackle the vexed issue of UCC.
It would be in the fitness of things if the Law Commission of India and the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Law and Justice suspend their efforts at enlisting views of stake holders. These two bodies can restart their work after Parliament decides upon same-sex marriage. Else it would be difficult for LGBTQIA community to trust its Parliament; and yes, the support of over 90% of Indians belonging to the non-LGBTQIA population would be welcome.
AIDS Bhedbhav Virodhi Andolan Collective
Blog: http://aidsbhedbhavvirodhiandolan.blogspot.com/
Email: [email protected]
