Nepal’s sexual minorities say progress in rights has stalled

 | 
09/18/2019

Nepal seized the lead in equal rights for sexual minorities in South Asia four years ago with a new constitution that forbids all discrimination based on sexual orientation. Even citizenship certificates and passports now allow a “non-male, non-female” category. But same-sex couples such as Niraj Sunwar and Aashik Lama say progress has stalled since the constitution was adopted. Sunwar, 23, and Lama, 28, are still waiting for the day when they can legally marry. Lama also hopes to adopt a child, which isn’t possible because no laws currently allow it. “We want to be lawfully wedded in a government office and have a legal certificate so we can openly live the life we want,” Lama said. “We want to adopt a baby and start a family life.” Such rights were enshrined in the constitution, which was introduced after the abolition of Nepal’s centuries-old monarchy, because of a 2008 Supreme Court ruling that outlawed all discrimination against sexual minorities. LGBT activists, however, say politicians have failed to write new laws that reflect their rights.

Regions: ,

Share this:

Latest Global News

Added on: 11/18/2024
11/17/2024
ISTANBUL — When curator Alper Turan and his collaborators from queer and feminist groups around Turkey discuss plans for their upcoming Istanbul exhibition, they …
Added on: 11/18/2024
11/17/2024
Mali is on the brink of passing a law that would jail people for engaging in same-sex relations, condoning same-sex relationships, or “promoting” homosexuality. The …
Added on: 11/18/2024
11/17/2024
Transgender youth in the United States have been flooding crisis hotlines since the election of Donald Trump, who made anti-transgender themes central to his …

Explore LGBTQ+ Issues

Other News from ,

Added on: 11/17/2024
A record number of asylum seekers claiming to be gay have been allowed to stay in Britain under ECHR rules. The number of asylum …
Added on: 11/16/2024
Three homophobic Bangladeshi men have been charged with murdering a gay kindergarten teacher last month in the midst of an argument about homosexuality. The …
Added on: 11/15/2024
Cape Town, South Africa – The first-ever International Pride Awards today honoured five remarkable advocates for LGBTIQ+ equality, celebrating them during a ceremony hosted …