Same-sex Marriages

Using gender-neutral words like 'partner', 'spouse' are the key to sanctifying the concept under the 1954 law

The Supreme Court on Monday referred the pleas seeking legal validation of same-sex marriages to a five-judge constitution bench for adjudication, saying the issue is of "seminal importance". A bench headed by Chief Justice D Y Chandrachud said the submissions on the issue involve an interplay between constitutional rights on the one hand and special legislative enactments, including the Special Marriage Act, on the other. "We are of the considered view that it would be appropriate if the issues raised are resolved by a bench of five judges with due regard to Article 145 (3) of the Constitution. Thus, we direct the matter be placed before a five-judge Constitution bench," said the bench, also comprising Justices PS Narasimha and JB Pardiwala. The court posted the matter for arguments on April 18 and said the proceedings will be live-streamed as is done in case of hearings before the constitution benches. Appearing for the Centre, Solicitor General Tushar Mehta, urged the court to

The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to examine a plea by same-sex couple challenging the Kerala High Court order directing one of them to attend counselling sessions with a psychiatrist.

All pleas for same-sex marriages pending before high courts in India transferred to Supreme Court

The Supreme Court on Wednesday sought a response from the Centre to two pleas seeking transfer to the apex court the petitions pending in the Delhi High Court seeking directions to recognise same-sex marriages. A bench comprising Chief Justice D Chandrachud and Justice P S Narasimha took note of the submissions of senior advocate Menaka Guruswamy that the pleas relate to the fundamental right to equality. Issue notice, the bench said. The bench was hearing separate transfer petitions filed by Kavita Arora and Nibedita Dutta. The top court had on November 25 taken note of two pleas by two gay couples seeking enforcement of their right to marry and a direction to the authorities to register their marriage under the Special Marriage Act. The court had also sought the assistance of Attorney General for India R Venkataramani in dealing with the two pleas. The first plea was filed by gay couple Supriyo Chakraborty and Abhay Dang who live in Hyderabad. The second petition has been file

The US Congress approved a bill on same-sex marriage and sent it to the White House

The Senate passed bipartisan legislation Tuesday to protect same-sex marriages, an extraordinary sign of shifting national politics on the issue and a measure of relief for the hundreds of thousands of same-sex couples who have married since the Supreme Court's 2015 decision that legalized gay marriage nationwide. The bill, which would ensure that same-sex and interracial marriages are enshrined in federal law, was approved 61-36 on Tuesday, including support from 12 Republicans. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the legislation was a long time coming and part of America's difficult but inexorable march towards greater equality. Democrats are moving quickly, while the party still holds the majority in both chambers of Congress. The legislation now moves to the House for a final vote. President Joe Biden praised the bipartisan vote and said he will sign the bill promptly and proudly if it is passed by the House. He said it will ensure that LGBTQ youth will grow up knowing tha

The Senate is set to vote Tuesday on legislation to protect same-sex and interracial marriages, putting Congress one step closer to ensuring that such unions are enshrined in federal law. Senate Democrats are moving quickly, while the party still holds the majority in both chambers of Congress, to pass the bill requiring that such unions are legally recognized. The House would still have to vote on the legislation and send it to President Joe Biden's desk. The bill has gained steady momentum since the Supreme Court's June decision that overturned the federal right to an abortion, and comments from Justice Clarence Thomas at the time that suggested same-sex marriage could also come under threat. A test vote Monday evening moved the legislation closer to passage, with 12 Republicans who have previously supported the bill voting again to move it forward. Democrats set up a Tuesday afternoon vote after Republicans negotiated votes on three amendments to protect the rights of religious .

Legislation to protect same-sex and interracial marriages crossed a major Senate hurdle on Wednesday, putting Congress on track to take the historic step of ensuring that such unions are enshrined in federal law. Twelve Republicans voted with all Democrats to move forward on the legislation, meaning a final vote could come as soon as this week, or later this month. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer said the bill ensuring the unions are legally recognised under the law is a chance for the Senate to "live up to its highest ideals" and protect marriage equality for all people. "It will make our country a better, fairer place to live," Schumer said, noting that his own daughter and her wife are expecting a baby next year. Senate Democrats are quickly moving to pass the bill while the party still controls the House. Republicans are on the verge of winning the House majority and would be unlikely to take up the issue next year. The bill has gained steady momentum since the Supreme ...

To register, govt ID a must; app also verifies user pictures to weed out fake profiles

Cubans have approved a sweeping "family law code that will allow same-sex couples to marry and adopt as well as redefining rights for children and grandparents, officials said on Monday, though opposition in the national referendum was unusually strong on the Communist Party-governed island. The measure which contains more than 400 articles was approved by 66.9 per cent to 33.1 per cent, the president of the National Electoral Council, Alina Balseiro Gutierrez, told official news media, though returns from a few places remained to be counted. The reforms had met unusually strong open resistance from the growing evangelical movement in Cuba and many other Cubans despite an extensive government campaign in favour of the measure, including thousands of informative meetings across the country and extensive media coverage backing it. Cuban elections in which no party other than the Communist is allowed routinely produce victory margins of more than 90 per cent as did a referendum

The US House approved legislation to protect same-sex and interracial marriages amid concerns that the Supreme Court ruling overturning Roe v. Wade abortion access could jeopardise other rights

A Japanese court ruled the country's ban on same-sex marriage does not violate the constitution, and rejected demands for compensation by three couples

Guatemalan lawmakers have increased prison sentences for women who have abortions, bucking a recent trend in Latin America toward expanding access to the procedures.

Similar laws have been adopted in several Latin American nations in recent years

A plea came up before the Delhi High Court on Friday seeking that same sex marriage not be permitted under the Hindu Marriage Act

Shahani dreams of an India where being queer is a non-issue, says Chintan Girish Modi

Why is the legal recognition of same-sex marriages being touted as the next big milestone for the LGBT rights movement in India?

The Delhi High Court asked the Centre to respond to a PIL seeking a declaration recognising same sex marriages under the Hindu Marriage Act and Special Marriage Act

Delhi High Court issued notice to the Central government seeking its response on two petitions seeking legal recognition of same-sex marriage under Special Marriage Act and the Foreign Marriage Act