Lesbian couple trigger debate on gay marriage
Although same-sex marriages are legal in some parts of the world, in India, they invite death threats. Two women Savita, 25 and Veena, 20, tied the knot in Gurgaon court on July 22, but the move invited the wrath of their native villagers, who threatened to kill them. Fearing for their lives, the two have approached the judiciary for protection, and filed a petition in this regard.
Elaborating on it, their lawyer Durgesh Bokan said, “After several murders of gay couples, we have enforced stricter laws for them. The road ahead is far from easy, but these couples aren’t deterred. Although Bina’s sister has accepted the relationship, Savita’s maternal uncle and her mother have been threatening her constantly. The couple is in UP and will be back in Delhi soon. Vimal Kumar, additional session and district judge, Gurgaon, has given directed the Gurgaon police to give them police protection and security till August 16. ”
Although homosexuality has been given the legal nod in India, and consensual sex between two adults of the same gender is no longer considered criminal, that is where the road of gay relationships ends. There is still no legal sanction to allow a gay relationship to progress further and culminate in marriage. And this, feel gay couples and activists in the capital, needs to change.
Himanshu Kunwar Pithauria, who works with a leading fashion magazine, says, “How sad that these two girls are in danger for being in love. Marriage is a bond that gives couples a monetary and emotional security along with life-long companionship. And when two people are in love and want to spend their life together, how does it matter if the couple is straight or homosexuals? What is worrisome is that if society remains harsh towards homosexuals in this manner, same-sex ties will become a hidden truth. As gays age and mature, just like their straight cohorts, they begin to appreciate and find their way into long-term committed relationships. Why not give them a chance? Even straight marriages are a failure and all kinds of molestation stories emerge from them, but if gay couples dream os staying together, they have to fight against their own family members and request police protection for their survival.”
Gay activists agree that same-sex relationships in India are going through a tough phase. Ashok Row Ravi, a gay activist says, “Same sex relationship has been decriminalised, not legalised. So same-sex marriage remains a distant dream. It’s hard to visualise what would be the status of gay marriages five years from now.”
Agrees Mohnish Kabir Malhotra, a publicist and gay rights activist, says, “In India, where sexual politics is in a terrible state and issues like khap panchyat, honour killing still exist, homosexuals tying the knot is like inviting trouble. Although society is opening up to same-sex relationships, gay marriages have a long way to go.”
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