Sprinter Dutee Chand Expresses Disappointment with Supreme Court’s Verdict on Same-Sex Marriage
Indian sprinter Dutee Chand, an openly gay athlete, has voiced her disappointment with the recent verdict of the Supreme Court regarding same-sex marriages in the country. The court ruled against legalizing same-sex marriage and deferred the decision to the Parliament, leaving the LGBTQ community disheartened. This follows the court’s move five years ago to abolish a colonial-era ban on gay sex.
Chand, who made headlines in May 2019 as the first openly gay Indian athlete, expressed her dismay, stating that the ruling has disrupted her plans. I had intentions to marry my partner Monalisa. However, the apex court’s decision has dashed all our hopes. Monalisa and I have been living together for five years, and we believe that as consenting adults, we should have the right to make decisions about our own lives. We hope that Parliament will take steps to pass a law enabling same-sex marriages, Chand said, according to the Times of India.
Chand’s relationship with Monalisa has spanned several years, and the couple even graced the cover of Odia magazine Kadambini. Their love story blossomed after they met during a Khudurkuni puja and eventually moved in together.
Notably, Chand has previously discussed facing criticism from her family upon revealing her same-sex relationship. On the athletic field, she has been a staunch advocate for LGBTQ athletes. In 2021, she participated in the Queen’s Baton event, where she shed light on the issue of homophobia within Commonwealth countries. She further displayed her support by proudly holding an LGBTQIA+ flag during the opening ceremony of the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
While the recent Supreme Court verdict has disappointed Chand and the LGBTQ community, it is important to recognize that this issue evokes varying perspectives across society. The decision to defer the matter to Parliament presents an opportunity for lawmakers to engage in a thoughtful and inclusive dialogue on same-sex marriage. The eventual legislative outcome will shape the future of LGBTQ rights in India.
In conclusion, Dutee Chand, the openly gay Indian athlete, expressed her disappointment with the Supreme Court’s ruling against legalizing same-sex marriages. Chand, who had plans to marry her partner, emphasized the need for Parliament to pass a law enabling same-sex marriages. As discussions progress, it is crucial for society to engage in a balanced dialogue, considering the diverse perspectives surrounding this significant issue.
