In a pivotal decision, India’s Supreme Court has ruled against the legalization of same-sex marriages, asserting that this responsibility falls within the domain of the parliament.
The verdict, delivered by a panel of five judges, has dealt a blow to the hopes of millions within the LGBTQ+ community in the country.
The court’s hearings, conducted during April and May, were prompted by petitions advocating for a change in the law to permit legal marriage for same-sex couples in India. Petitioners emphasized that the current restriction on marriage rights encroaches upon their constitutional liberties.
However, the government and religious leaders staunchly opposed the proposition of same-sex marriage, citing its divergence from the cultural fabric of India.
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Notably, the judges’ comments acknowledging homosexuality as a concept transcending urban or elitist boundaries have been met with some degree of satisfaction among LGBTQ+ activists.
The backdrop of this ruling includes the Supreme Court’s landmark 2018 decision, which decriminalized homosexual relations, marking a significant step forward in the recognition of LGBTQ+ rights in the country.
