Over 400 LGBTQIA++ parents writes to the CJI seeking marriage equality for their wards

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• Apr 25, 2023 | Dhupali Das

A group of over 400 parents has written to Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud, who is heading...

Digital Desk: A group of over 400 parents has written to Chief Justice of India (CJI) D Y Chandrachud, who is heading a bench considering the petitions seeking legal authorization for same-sex marriage, urging that their LGBTQIA++ children be granted the right to "marriage equality."

The letter from 'Sweekar-The Rainbow Parents' is significant since it comes at a time when a five-judge constitution bench led by the CJI is hearing a batch of petitions seeking legal authorization for same-sex marriage for the fourth day.

"We want to see our children and children-in-law receive ultimate legal recognition for their relationship in our country under the Special Marriage Act. We are confident that a country as large as ours, which values variety and rejects exclusion, will open the legal door to marital equality for our children as well," they said.

"We're getting older. Some of us will turn 80 soon; we hope to witness our children's rainbow marriages being officially sanctioned during our lifetimes," the group wrote in its letter.

'Sweekar-The Rainbow Parents' is an organization founded by parents of Indian LGBTQIA++ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, questioning, intersex, pansexual, two-spirit, asexual, and ally) children with the goal of helping one another in completely accepting one's child and being happy as a family.

"We are writing to appeal to you to look into marriage equality," the letter said.

It stated that parents have gone through the entire "gamut of emotions" from learning about gender and sexuality to understanding our children's lives and finally accepting their sexuality and loved ones.

"We understand those who oppose marriage equality because some of us have been there. We had to educate, discuss, and be patient with our LIGTQIA++ children before they realized their life, feelings, and wants were valid. In the same way, we wish for people who are against marriage equality to change their minds. We have faith in the Constitution, the Indian people, and our country's democracy," it said.

It made reference to the 2018 ruling by the Supreme Court that decriminalized accepting gay sex.

The ruling assured that LGBTQIA+ people would be treated with dignity and acceptance.

"Society is a dynamic, ever-changing phenomenon. The Supreme Court's ruling had an impact on society and was helpful, much like the tide that lifts all boats," it stated.