Yes, same-sex couples can legally wed in many countries across the world. The recognition of same-sex marriage is a civil right, political, social, and religious issue in many nations, and debates continue to arise over whether same-sex couples should be allowed marriage or instead be allowed to hold a different status (a civil union) or be denied recognition of such rights. Allowing same-gender couples to marry legally is considered one of the most important rights among LGBT activists.
The Netherlands was the first country to extend marriage laws to include same-sex couples, following the recommendation of a special commission appointed to investigate the issue in 1995. So, a same-sex marriage bill passed the Dutch parliament in late 2000. Since then, numerous other nations have followed suit, including Canada, Spain, South Africa, Norway, Sweden, Portugal, Iceland, Argentina, Belgium, and others.
In the United States, the legality of same-sex marriage has varied from state to state, with some banning it and others allowing it until 2015. The U.S. Supreme Court ruled in Obergefell v. Hodges that state-level bans on same-sex marriage are unconstitutional. The ruling established a precedent that all state laws must recognize same-sex marriages.
However, it’s important to note that while these advances represent significant progress for LGBT rights, same-sex couples in many parts of the world still face legal challenges and discrimination. For instance, in some countries in Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, homosexuality is still criminalized, making the prospect of legal marriage for same-sex couples a remote possibility.
In India, same-sex marriage is an ongoing subject of intense debate. Even though the Indian Supreme Court decriminalized homosexuality in 2018, effectively overturning a colonial-era law that had previously made same-sex unions illegal, legalizing same-sex marriages in India remains uncertain.
The current legal framework in India does not recognize marriages between individuals of the same sex. The Hindu Marriage Act of 1955, which applies to most of India’s majority Hindu population, clearly stipulates that a marriage may be solemnized between any two Hindus if neither party is an “idiot” or “lunatic”, the bridegroom has completed the age of 21 years and the bride the age of 18 years. Neither party is in a subsisting marriage. The Special Marriage Act, which governs non-religious marriages, similarly upholds that marriages may be solemnized between any two individuals without any religious restriction.
However, in recent years, various activist groups and individuals have begun to challenge this norm. They advocate for recognizing and legalizing same-sex marriage, arguing that these restrictions violate basic human rights. They believe the current legal standing is inconsistent with the 2018 Supreme Court ruling that decriminalized homosexuality, which was hailed as a landmark victory for human rights in the country.
Despite these advocacy efforts, the Indian government’s stance on the issue of same-sex marriage remains largely conservative, with many politicians expressing their opposition to such unions. In 2020, the Indian government responded to a legal petition to recognize same-sex marriages, stating that such marriages are “incompatible with the norms of our society”. They further argued that marriage in India is not just a matter of individual rights but also a union between a man and a woman intended for procreation, a key societal value.
However, the conversation surrounding the issue continues to evolve. A growing number of Indian citizens, particularly among younger generations, are openly expressing their support for same-sex marriage. Moreover, with the increasing visibility and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community in Indian society, there is hope that the country may see legal reform.
In conclusion, while same-sex couples cannot legally marry in India, the landscape is continually shifting. The ongoing debates and activism around this issue are a testament to the progress towards equal rights for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation. As more countries legalize same-sex marriage, India will likely follow suit and grant LGBTQ+ individuals the right to marry their partners legally.