Kathmandu, Nov 29: After the long struggle, there is now a provision in Nepal for the formal registration of marriage for gender and sexual minority couples as Maya Gurung (Ram Bahadur Gurung) and Surendra Pandey were officially granted the same-sex marriage certificate in Dordi village of Lamjung district today. This is a historic achievement for Nepal’s gender and sexual minority community, said Sunil Babu Pant.
Even though Kathmandu District court refused to implement the Supreme Court’s order, the Ministry of Home Affairs’ Civil registration and National Identity Department has issued a circular to local authorities to register same-sex marriages. This circular, issued honoring the Supreme Court’s order dated 29th June 2023, opens the path for couples from Nepal’s gender and sexual minority community to register their marriages through local bodies.
According to Pant, the founder of Maya Ko Pahichan, the tireless efforts of Maya and Surendra have made this historic achievement possible. In a press release Pant has said, “On behalf of Maya ko Pahichan Nepal, I would like to express my deepest and profound respect to Maya and Surendra’s struggle. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the authorized team members of the Ministry of Home Affairs’ National Identity and Registration Department.”
Furthermore, he has expressed his continuous appreciation for the unwavering support provided by various people and organizations including media fraternity.
