SAME SEX MARRIAGES

The rise in support for same-sex marriage over the past decade is among the largest changes in opinion on any policy issue over this time period. A new national survey finds that much of the shift is attributable to the arrival of a large cohort of young adults – the Millennial generation – who are far more open to gay rights than previous generations. Till now there are a total of 30 countries that have lifted the ban on same-sex marriages. Most of them are developed nations mainly from Europe and America. In 2001, the Netherlands became the first country to allow same-sex marriages. In 2010 gay people were allowed in the US military. El Di Rupo, of Belgium, became the first gay Prime Minister. In May 2020 Costa Rica gave recognition to same-sex marriages.

The Bollywood and Hollywood industry has also witnessed many same sex marriages in past few years. Recently, the famous hair and makeup stylist Daniel Bauer, known for making celebs like Deepika Padukone and Katrina Kaif look all glowing and pretty after working in the industry for years, has got married to his boyfriend in Goa. It is said that love has no boundaries - religion, caste or sex and Daniel has just proven this right. He wedded his boyfriend Tyrone Braganza, in a traditional Hindu wedding ceremony in Goa.

The first instance of same-sex marriage was reported by the media in 1987 when two policewomen from Madhya Pradesh tied knots with each other by Hindu rites. Since then the media has reported numerous same-sex marriages taking place in the country. Few succeeded in their cause while some were barred by law and others were separated by society. But now with the changing times, people have become more aware and courageous enough to accept their homosexual relations openly. Recently famous Indian athlete, Dutee Chand publicly accepted her same-sex relationship and asked other members of the LGBTQ community to be more courageous. After the Navtej Singh Johar v. Union of India case Arundhati Katju and Menaka Guruswamy, the leading lawyers came up with ‘The Marriage Project’. This project aims to legalize of same-sex marriages in India. The question here is, if the legalization of same-sex marriage is not violating any personal law and the common masses also want it what is the harm in allowing the union of two people of same-sex? Are we still following the parameters set by the orthodox society? Things have evolved and the legal system has also changed with time, then why are we not giving basic rights to a sexual minority? Mere, changing of law will not give recognition to marriage acceptance of society is also necessary. The only way through this can be done is that people should be made aware and should be educated to the level where they can understand that every person has the right to choose their life partner. Now, the time has that we equal status, recognition, and rights for which the LGBTQ community has been fighting.

Written by:- Heeral Devpura