Nepal made history on Wednesday by registering its first official same-sex marriage. It marks a significant step forward for LGBTQ+ rights in the traditionally conservative nation. The couple, Maya and Surendra, tied the knot in a joyous ceremony in Kathmandu, surrounded by their loved ones.
Nepal celebrated a historic moment as the first official same-sex marriage was registered in a village on Wednesday. The registration took place at the Dordi rural municipality office in Lumjung district, west Nepal. The couple, 36-year-old Maya Gurung (born male but identifies as female) and 26-year-old Surendra Pandey (born and identifies as male), expressed their happiness about the milestone.
The Supreme Court of Nepal had issued an interim order five months ago. They are paving the way for same-sex marriages in the traditionally conservative country. The marriage between Maya and Surendra had previously taken place in 2016 in Kathmandu following Hindu rituals.
Hem Raj Kafle is the chief administrative officer of the Dordi rural municipality. He confirmed the formal registration, citing compliance with the Supreme Court order and instructions from relevant government authorities. In a phone interview, Surendra Pandey shared their joy, stating, “We are both very happy. Like us, all others in our community are happy too.”
Happiness In The Community
Sunil Babu Pant, the founder of Blue Diamond Society, Nepal’s leading gay rights organization, described the registration as a victory for sexual and gender minorities who have long advocated for equal rights and recognition of their marriages. He emphasized the historic nature of the event, highlighting that it was the first such registration in South Asia.
Pant anticipates positive changes for same-sex couples, including the ability to jointly open bank accounts and own and transfer property, similar to other couples. The registration comes after the Supreme Court’s interim order in June, allowing same-sex couples to register their marriages while awaiting a final verdict.
Nepal joins Taiwan as one of the few places in Asia to legalize same-sex marriage. Despite its Hindu-majority population, Nepal has been progressing socially since the end of a decade-long Maoist insurgency in 2006. The country underwent significant changes, including the abolition of the 239-year-old Hindu monarchy in 2008, showcasing a growing trend towards progress and inclusivity.
