Nepal's sexual minorities say progress in rights has stalled

Nepal seized the lead in equal rights for sexual minorities in South Asia four years ago with a new constitution that forbids all discrimination based on sexual orientation. Even citizenship certificates and passports now allow a "non-male, non-female" category.

But same-sex couples such as Niraj Sunwar and Aashik Lama say progress has stalled since the constitution was adopted.

Sunwar, 23, and Lama, 28, are still waiting for the day when they can legally marry. Lama also hopes to adopt a child, which isn't possible because no laws currently allow it.

"We want to be lawfully wedded in a government office and have a legal certificate so we can openly live the life we want," Lama said. "We want to adopt a baby and start a family life."
"Nepal opened the way and other countries are following, but it has stalled here," said Manisha Dhakal, executive director of the Blue Diamond Society, an LGBT rights group. "Parliament has no commitment; it just doesn't want to do it."
"Because there is no same-sex marriage provision in Nepal, we have been facing difficulties in society," Sunwar said. "When we walk in the street together, our neighbors always look down on us because two men are living together as a couple."
"Though the work has been slow, the government is working on the issue," said Bharat Raj Sharma of the Ministry of Women, Children and Senior Citizens. "There are many complications that need to be sorted out first."