Govinda Kami, Nepal: Citizens’ Concern Nepal has publicly opposed granting legal recognition to same-sex relationships as marriage. During a press conference held in Lalitpur on Tuesday, the organization expressed its opposition not only to same-sex marriage but also to transgender identity and abortion-related issues.

Reverend Dr. Jomes Wod, speaking on behalf of the organization, stated that marriage is naturally a union between a man and a woman and cannot exist otherwise. He further asserted, “According to the Bible, marriage is meant for a man and a woman, and anything beyond that is sinful, akin to the detestable sins of Sodom and Gomorrah.” Referring to some government authorities that have begun registering same-sex marriages, he strongly condemned the practice and said, “The entire Christian community must now unite and raise their voice against this.”

Similarly, advocate Prakash Nepali remarked that Nepal’s existing laws do not yet provide legal recognition for same-sex marriage. However, following an interim order from the Supreme Court, some temporary marriage registrations have occurred. “Since that order, 19 temporary marriage registrations have taken place across the country,” he said. “In response, Citizens’ Concern Nepal has filed a writ petition in the Supreme Court. Just on Asar 2 (mid-June), the court decided to hear the case in a full bench. We are continuously advocating against it.”

He also stressed that legal recognition of same-sex marriage would lead to numerous practical and social challenges, urging all sectors of society to speak out in opposition.

The press conference also discussed provisions of Nepal’s Constitution of 2072 (2015), including Articles 12, 18, and 42, which grant special rights and social justice to gender and sexual minorities. However, Secretary Bidur Adhikari pointed out what he termed “distortions” within the community, such as gender transition through hormone therapy and the right to choose one’s gender identity based on individual feelings. He argued that such practices are a serious blot on human civilization and pose a threat to the existence of future generations, which he claimed has become a global concern.

Same-sex marriage, first legally recognized in the Netherlands in 2001, is increasingly gaining attention in Nepal. Particularly since the 2007 (2064 BS) Supreme Court verdict in the case of Sunil Babu Pant vs.

Government of Nepal, several legal reforms have followed. These include the recognition of third gender identity, amendments to citizenship documents, and equal rights for sexual and gender minorities. As a result, individuals from these communities are gradually coming out in society. However, Nepal has yet to enact a comprehensive law specifically addressing same-sex marriage.