Supreme Court Ruling Denies Marriage Rights for LGBTQ+ | Binoy Viswam

Binoy Viswam
Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha)
116, North Avenue New Delhi - 110 001
Mob: 9605766702 E-mail: binoyviswam55[at]gmail.com

PRESS STATEMENT Date: 17th October 2023

Denial of Rights to LGBTQ+ Community Unfortunate: CPI MP Binoy Viswam

The Supreme Court of India today passed a judgement on the issue of marriage equality for persons from the LGBTQ+ community. The Hon’ble Supreme Court in a split verdict of 3:2 have refused to instate the right to civil union for LGBTQ+ persons. This judgement is disappointing as persons belonging to the LGBTQ+ community were looking at the Supreme Court with great hope since it is certain that the current BJP government will not look at the issue with any sympathy.

Reacting to the development CPI Parliamentary Party Leader Binoy Viswam stated that “The Supreme Court’s judgement must be seen in the light of the submissions made by the RSS controlled BJP’s Union Government at the center. The Prime Minister, and several other senior ministers, are proud former members of the RSS. The patriarchal institution of the RSS continues to deny women primary membership and are contemptuous towards the LGBTQ+ community. It is certain that this government is not concerned about the rights of these marginalized communities and their legitimate social rights. We stand committed in ensuring the right to equality for the LBGTQ+ community and realizing their legitimate human rights such as the right to marriage and allied benefits associated to it.â€

He further said that “It is unfortunate that the Supreme Court has pushed the ball in the government’s court on this crucial issue which is unlikely to take up the issues of rights of the marginalized people. There has been a continous delay in securing similar rights such as reservations for the transgender community. We can no longer be oblivious to the continued struggle of these gendered and sexual minorities.â€

Office of Binoy Viswam
Leader of CPI Parliamentary Party
Member, Committee on Public Undertakings,
Member, Standing Committee on Labour, Textiles and Skill Development Member, Consultative Committee on Environment, Forest and Climate Change