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Introduction:
India is a country of diverse cultures and beliefs, and when it comes to the issue of same-sex marriage, it has been a topic of dissension for a long time. The Supreme Court of India, in September 2018, ruled that consensual same-sex relations among adults were not a crime, overturning a 157-year-old British-era law that criminalized homosexuality. However, the legalization of same-sex marriage still remains a controversial issue in India.
Views of People in Favor:
Proponents of same-sex marriage argue that it is a matter of equality and human rights, while opponents believe that it goes against traditional Indian values and religious beliefs. In this essay, we will explore both sides of the argument and try to understand why legalizing same-sex marriage in India is still a matter of controversy.
Firstly, let's understand why proponents of same-sex marriage believe that it is a matter of equality and human rights. India is a signatory to the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which states that all individuals are entitled to equal rights and freedoms without discrimination based on race, gender, or sexual orientation. Denying same-sex couples the right to marry is a violation of this fundamental human right. Marriage is not just a social institution, but also a legal one, and denying same-sex couples the right to marry deprives them of various legal benefits, such as inheritance rights, property rights, and the right to make medical decisions for their partner.
Moreover, legalizing same-sex marriage would also promote social acceptance and reduce discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. Same-sex couples are often subjected to discrimination, harassment, and violence because of their sexual orientation, and legalizing same-sex marriage would send a strong message that the LGBTQ+ community is valued and accepted in Indian society.
Views of People in Against:
On the other hand, opponents of same-sex marriage argue that it goes against traditional Indian values and religious beliefs. India is a conservative country, and many people still believe that marriage should only be between a man and a woman. They argue that decriminalize same-sex marriage would undermine the institution of marriage and lead to the breakdown of traditional family values. They also argue that same-sex marriage is not supported by any major religion in India, and therefore, it goes against the religious beliefs of the majority of the population.
Another squabble against same-sex marriage is that it could lead to a decline in the birth rate and negatively impact the population growth of the country. This argument is based on the assumption that same-sex couples are less likely to have children, and therefore, legalizing same-sex marriage could lead to a decrease in the birth rate. While these arguments against same-sex marriage may seem valid to some, they are based on misconceptions and stereotypes about the LGBTQ+ community. Same-sex couples are just as capable of building stable and loving relationships as heterosexual couples, and legalizing same-sex marriage would not undermine the institution of marriage or family values. Additionally, same-sex marriage has been legalized in many countries around the world, and there has been no evidence to suggest that it has led to a decline in the birth rate or negatively impacted population growth.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, legalizing same-sex marriage in India is a matter of equality and human rights. Denying same-sex couples the right to marry is a violation of their fundamental human rights, and legalizing same-sex marriage would promote social acceptance and reduce discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community. While opponents of same-sex marriage argue that it goes against traditional Indian values and religious beliefs, these arguments are based on misconceptions and stereotypes about the LGBTQ+ community. It is time for India to recognize that love is love, and that all individuals are entitled to equal rights and freedoms regardless of their sexual orientation.
Jai Hind !