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: 04/25/2024
04/24/2024
A “radical feminist” group called the Women’s Liberation Front, that has helped shape anti-trans laws nationwide, has also played a role in a proposed …
Added on: 04/25/2024
04/24/2024
A UK minister has claimed that Rwanda is a “progressive” country where LGBTQ+ migrants will be safe, despite warnings from queer charities. Illegal migration minister Michael …
Added on: 04/25/2024
04/24/2024
Recent Afrobarometer survey data (Round 8, 2019-2021) paints a stark picture with 86% of Kenyans and 93% of Ghanaians expressing intolerance towards the LGBT community. This …

Explore LGBTQ+ Issues

Other News from ,

Added on: 04/25/2024
There’s a new rainbow rising over Nepal. This is Sandip Roy in Kathmandu. The Himalayan country has always been known for tourism – Mountains forests old …
Added on: 04/24/2024
Over the weekend in Japan, 15,000 people took part in the 2024 Tokyo Rainbow Pride parade, one of the biggest LGBTQIA+ events in Southeast …
Added on: 04/23/2024
For Taiwan, which often finds its international participation constrained – barred from a World Health Organization membership and competing under the “Chinese Taipei” flag …