The Rajasthan government, led by Ashok Gehlot of the Congress party, has taken a stance against the legalization of same-sex marriages, sparking controversy and criticism. The government’s statement comes amidst ongoing Supreme Court hearings on petitions seeking legal recognition of such marriages. Rajasthan, along with Assam and Andhra Pradesh, opposes the move, while Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Manipur, and Sikkim have requested additional time for consideration.In a communication to the central government, Rajasthan’s Department of Law stated that a bureaucratic exercise revealed that same-sex marriages are not prevalent and go against public opinion.
The government consulted district collectors, who concurred that there should be no provision for legalizing same-sex marriages due to their perceived rarity and lack of public support. The government argued that existing legislation, such as the Hindu Marriage Act, Muslim personal law, and the Special Marriage Act, adequately address the needs of the populace.Critics condemned the Rajasthan government’s response as insensitive. Activists and community members expressed disappointment and argued that the government should have consulted LGBTQ+ individuals before formulating its position. They urged policymakers to consider the sentiments of the LGBTQ+ community instead of disregarding them. Concerns were also raised about the accuracy of data concerning the transgender population in the state.
The opposition from the Rajasthan government has fueled the ongoing debate around the legal recognition of same-sex marriages in India. As the issue continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the Supreme Court will consider the arguments presented by various state governments and the impact their decisions will have on the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals in the country.