India’s High Court turns down appeal for marriage equality
The country made history after it decriminalised homosexuality last year
By Steve Brown
Words: Steve Brown
India’s High Court has turned down an appeal for marriage equality and other LGBTQ rights.
Last year, India made history after the country decriminalised homosexuality in a landmark ruling, but it appears the LGBTQ community in India still has a large fight ahead for marriage equality.
According to The Statesman, Delhi High Court had been asked to amend the Hindu Marriage Act and other family laws in a push to legalise same-sex marriage and adoption rights.
Tajinder Singh, the petitioner, said the ‘constitution treats everyone equally without any discrimination. It is the duty of the state to ensure that no one should be discriminated’.
However, Chief Justice D.N. Patel and Justice C. Harishankar turned down the appeal and argued the court was not in the business of drafting laws.
In the ruling, the court then said while it would not do this, the government is free to form such a body.