Nepal has taken a significant step forward in LGBTQ+ rights by registering its first same-sex marriage. The union of Maya Gurung, 36, and Surendra Pandey, 26, was formally recognized on Wednesday after a long legal battle fought by the couple and activists. This landmark decision came five months after Nepal’s Supreme Court issued an interim order allowing same-sex couples to register their marriages. As of now, Taiwan remains the only other Asian country to have legalized same-sex marriage.
Maya Gurung and Surendra Pandey have been in a committed relationship for nearly a decade. They celebrated a temple wedding ceremony in 2017 and had since been fighting for their marriage to be legally recognized. Ms. Gurung, a transgender woman, has not yet changed her gender on official documents, while Mr. Pandey was born and identifies as male.
However, on July 13th, a district court in the capital city of Kathmandu initially refused to register their marriage, despite the Supreme Court’s order directing the government to recognize same-sex unions while preparing legislation to change the existing law. The district court argued that lower courts were not bound by the order as it was specifically directed at the government.
Fortunately, the couple’s perseverance and the support of the LGBTQ+ community paid off. Hem Raj Kafle, the chief administrative officer of the Dordi rural municipality, confirmed that they have now issued a marriage registration certificate to Maya Gurung and Surendra Pandey. Kafle cited the Supreme Court order and instructions from relevant government authorities as the basis for their decision.
This historic moment has been deemed a victory for sexual and gender minorities by leading LGBTQ+ rights activist Sunil Babu Pant. Maya and Surendra expressed their desire to open a joint bank account, share ownership of the land they bought, and, most importantly, adopt a child once their finances are more stable.
Nepal’s first registered same-sex marriage showcases the progress the country has made in acknowledging and protecting the rights of the LGBTQ+ community. While Taiwan serves as the only other example in Asia, it is encouraging to witness the gradual expansion of equal marriage rights across the continent. This milestone brings hope to countless individuals and heralds a new era of inclusivity and acceptance.
