Hundreds of horn-tooting lesbians, gays, bisexuals and transvestites took to the streets of Nepal’s capital, Katmandu, on Monday, parading and rallying for the right to marry under Himalayan law.
The area is known as a majority conservative Hindu spot. But members of the gay community are hoping to change perceptions and enshrine the right to marry in the new constitution — and in so doing, win the legal authority to adopt, buy and own joint property and open joint banking accounts, The Associated Press reported.
“When we gather again next year, we hope we are able to celebrate the new law,” said one parade participant in the AP report. “Sometimes even if we get laws in writing, there is a big problem of implementation. There is still more that needs to be done.”
The parade brought out thousands of watchers — not all of whom were there to show support.
“Whatever happens inside closed doors should remain there,” said Raja Sharma, 62, who was watching the scores of parade walkers, AP reported. “This is ridiculous. Marriage is a sacred thing between a husband and wife that has worked for centuries, and it should be left alone. Nepal has enough problems.”
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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