Congress promises law to recognize civil unions between queer couples

• Image Credit: Internet

• Apr 5, 2024 | Srijani Purkayastha

The party also said that it would expand the Constitution's Articles 15 and 16 to forbid discrimination........

Digital desk: The Congress party said on April 5, that they will introduce laws to recognize civil unions between LGBTQIA+ couples. The declaration was included in the party's manifesto for the Lok Sabha elections 2024. 

Congress president Mallikarjun Kharge, along with the presence of former party chiefs Sonia Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi at the AICC headquarters to witness the release of the manifesto titled 'Nyay Patra'.

The party also said that it would expand the Constitution's Articles 15 and 16 to forbid discrimination based on "disability," "impairment," or "sexual orientation." Additionally, it seeks to strongly enforce the 2016 Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act.

It is necessary to remember that a "civil union" is not equal to marriage. The legal status known as a civil union grants LGBT couples certain rights that are typically only granted to married couples. In terms of personal law, a civil union does not have the same recognition in personal law as marriage.

In a 3-2 ruling last year, the Supreme Court denied same-sex marriage legal recognition.

Chief Justice D.Y. Chandrachud, stated in his minority ruling that constitutional authorities need to create a legal framework that acknowledges civil unions in same-sex relationships. 

The freedom to form a relationship cannot be limited based on a person's sexual orientation, according to CJI Chandrachud.

“After wide consultation, Congress will pass a law to recognize civil unions between couples belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community," the Congress manifesto read. 

The party declared that it would take action to guarantee senior citizens simple access to legal services, particularly in situations involving financial fraud, eviction, abuse, neglect, and abandonment. It declared that it would examine the 2007 Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, fix any errors, and implement the Act.

In the election manifesto, the Congress also pledged to implement the Mahalaxmi Scheme, which will give poor people Rs. 1 lakh annually to reduce poverty.

The amount of money will be instantly deposited into the oldest woman's bank account in the household, according to the poll manifesto. The sum shall be passed to the oldest family member if the oldest woman is not present.

The Congress released its manifesto titled 'Nyay Patra' on Friday, which includes 25 guarantees. Some of these are: 

1. Right to apprenticeship. This will make it mandatory for private and government companies to provide a one-year apprenticeship for every diploma holder or graduate below the age of 25.
2. Legal guarantee for MSP for agricultural produce.
3. Constitutional amendment to raise 50% cap on reservations for SCs, STs, and OBCs.
4. 10% quota in jobs and educational institutions for economically weaker sections.
5. Cashless health insurance of up to Rs 25 lakh.
6. A nationwide socio-economic and caste census.
7. Urban employment program guaranteeing work for the urban poor in reconstruction.
8. Abolishment of the Agnipath scheme and resume normal recruitment in the armed forces.