SALGA NYC is disappointed in the inability of the Supreme Court of India in recognising same-sex marriage, same-sex civil union or adoption by same-sex couples. Yet, at the same time, we are steadfast in our belief that one day we will collectively overcome all these prejudices.
We also recognise the fact that words do matter. So, we want to commend Chief Justice of India D. Y. Chandrachud when he affirmed “The right to enter into union includes the right to choose one’s partner and the right to recognition of that union. A failure to recognise such associations will result in discrimination against queer couples“, adding, “the right to enter into union cannot be restricted on the basis of sexual orientation“. But words without action are unfortunately just that.
We applaud the fact that the discussion and debate regarding same-sex marriage has stirred up the emotions and dialogue in not just the citizens of India and Indian Diaspora, but also all the people of South Asian heritage who have been collectively subjugated to the colonial past and oppression, these laws being the remnants of those times and archaic impositions.
As the issue has now been relegated to the Government of India, we wish and hope that better minds prevail and conversations continue in a positive direction.
This journey was never going to be completed in a moment or a single nudge but in a collection of many such moments like these. As someone once aptly said, fight for equal rights is a marathon, not a sprint or a leap.
We have come a long way since the decriminalisation of Section 377 and hope to keep affirming and continuing the conversation about LGBTQIA+ rights, doing our part in spreading awareness, and jointly spreading the word about love and acceptance. We hope this progress continues. There are indeed miles to go before we rest.