Nepal recognized the country’s first LGBT+ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) marriage, the couple’s lawyer announced today, hailing a victory “for all”.
Maya Gurung, a 41-year-old transgender woman, and Surendra Pandey, a 27-year-old man, who married in a Hindu ceremony in 2017, received their marriage certificates on Wednesday in a town in the central Lamjung region.
Dordi Rural Municipality Chairman Yubraj Adhikari said the certificate was issued in accordance with the instructions of the National Identification Department and the Civil Registry following a favorable ruling by the Supreme Court.
In June, the court issued an interim ruling allowing the recognition of marriages of transgender and same-sex couples, asking the government to establish a new temporary register for these unions, pending appropriate legislation.
“We are very happy and proud. The time has finally come”Maya Gurung responded to the France-Presse news agency.
“It’s a victory not just for us, but for all couples like ours”he added.
The bride and groom initially submitted the request to the regional authorities, but it was rejected. The subsequent appeal was also rejected.
Lawyer Rounik Raj Aryal praised local authorities for being “much more responsive”.
“[O casal] made history. This is an important event for us”says Sunil Babu Pant, who campaigns for LGBT+ rights in Nepal.
Source: DN
