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August 29, 2006

Nepal sees first public same-sex marriage

Cheered by scores of wedding guests, two gay men exchanged garlands of marigolds Saturday in the first public same-sex marriage ceremony in tradition-bound Nepali society. The guests, mostly activists from gay and lesbian rights groups and a few relatives, applauded as Anil Mahaju, 25, and Diya Kashyap, 21, exchanged vows in Katmandu, Nepal's capital.

The marriage, however, will not receive official approval, as Nepalese laws do not recognize same-sex unions, said Suni Pant, who heads the Blue Diamond Society, a nongovernment organization. There was no Hindu priest present to conduct the wedding.

"They have decided to get the marriage registered, but I think they will have to wait for a new constitution that would legitimize same-sex marriages," Pant said. Rights groups are hoping a new constitution, currently being prepared by experts, will provide Nepal's gays and lesbians with civil rights.

Although there are no official figures, Pant said there are around 20,000 gay men and 1,000 lesbians in Nepal, a country with a population of about 25 million where gay sex is a crime punishable by up to two years in prison under public-offense laws. (AP)

Reader Comments

These comments are reproduced as written by visitors to this Web site. They have not been edited for content, grammar, or spelling. The viewpoints appearing here are those of the writer, and do not necessarily reflect the opinion or views of advocate.com, The Advocate, or its affiliates.

  • Name: DHALI
    Date posted: 2008-12-15 4:05 PM
    Hometown: colombo

    Comment:

    i hate nepali army but i love nepal and nepali people they are really amazing and nice. you whAT HAPPEN WHEN IWAS IN NEPAL 3 ARMY RAPPED ME AND LEVAVE IN THE STREET LIKE A DEAD , I HATE U


  • Name: chirangibi
    Date posted: 2008-12-04 12:27 PM
    Hometown: sitapaila ktm

    Comment:

    i like nepali sexy girls


  • Name: edson
    Date posted: 2008-10-16 6:04 PM
    Hometown: saudi/phlippines

    Comment:

    wow nice im edson from phlipines im bimale my husband is nepali im go there in nepal to merreid him im here now in saudi arabia me in my husband i plan merried in kathmandu this caming october 10.2009 i want to meet the Blue Diamond Society, what paper need for merried to same sex if u read my comment please answer here my email:edsoncanendo@gmail.com thanks good bless you to all


  • Name: Nepali
    Date posted: 2008-06-28 6:21 PM
    Hometown: Kathmandu

    Comment:

    yay!!! I am frm Nepal but i currently live in US. I am a gay. I really feel happy about it.


  • Name: Yuko Maskay
    Date posted: 2008-06-16 11:47 PM
    Hometown: Japan/Nepal/US

    Comment:

    Way to go Nepal!!! Amazing for a 3rd world country bound with conservative traditions and culture to make such a historic move!! I applaud you!


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