Ramita and Shilu, using pseudonyms for safety, attempted to register their marriage in Sindhuli, Nepal. This was in accordance with a June 2023 Supreme Court ruling that permits same-sex marriages. However, the couple faced significant obstacles including harassment, delays, and rejection. They were forcibly separated with alleged police complicity and family hostility worsening their situation.
Local officials delayed the registration process due to uncertainties about legal procedures. Meanwhile, Ramita’s family reported her as “missing.” Despite Ramita expressing feeling unsafe with her family and her desire to marry Shilu, police returned her to relatives she described as abusive. Both women reported that police mocked their relationship and subjected them to verbal harassment. One officer allegedly questioned the legitimacy of their relationship.
The 2023 Supreme Court interim order directed the Nepali government to establish a separate register for same-sex marriages and third-gender individuals. This was intended to provide interim legal recognition while a marriage equality case is pending. However, officials have inconsistently applied this order.
Since 2023, some same-sex couples have successfully registered their marriages. Two couples involving one Nepali partner and one foreigner obtained spousal visas after taking their cases to the Supreme Court.
Ramita and Shilu’s experience highlights a broader issue where lesbian women face pressure from families to conform to societal expectations of heterosexual relationships. Ramita fears being sent to a faith healer; her sister-in-law reportedly threatened her with forced marriage even under dire circumstances. Shilu remains fearful and unable to contact Ramita, who she says is held in a “hostage-like condition.”
Rights advocates have condemned these events as severe human rights violations, urging immediate protections and an investigation into local authorities’ actions.
Same-sex couples in Nepal legally have the right to marry but face challenges due to prolonged interim orders and lack of accountability among officials. This undermines Nepal’s standing as a leader in global LGBT rights.
