NCP’s Supriya Sule brings Bill to legalise same-sex marriage

“In 2018, the Supreme Court struck down an archaic, draconian legislation of IPC — Section 377. Through this landmark judgment, Navtej Singh Johar v Union of India, homosexuality was effectively decriminalised. While this was a much-needed, progressive leap forward, LGBTQIA+ individuals still face discrimination and social stigma within society,” Sule said in a series of tweets after introducing the Bill.

“Therefore, it is of utmost importance to amend the Special Marriage Act, 1954, to legalise same-sex marriage, and provide legal recognition to married LGBTQIA couples. Doing this will ensure that Article 14 and Article 21 of the Constitution are upheld, and ensure that #LGBTQIA+ couples are provided with the Equal rights they are entitled to,” she added.

The statement of Objects and Reasons of the Bill says, “While the determination of one’s sexual orientation has been realised, LGBTQIA individuals are still unable to marry and create their own families. In addition, LGBTQIA couples have no access to rights that heterosexual couples are entitled to upon marriage, such as succession, maintenance and pensions, etc. Therefore, it is of utmost importance to amend the Special Marriage Act, 1954, to legalise same-sex marriage, and provide Iegal recognition to married LGBTQIA couples.”