Same sex marriage refers to the legal recognition and union of individuals of the same gender, allowing them to enter into a formal marital relationship or it is a marriage either between two men or two women.

The issue has been the subject of much debate and controversy, with arguments for and against same-sex marriage based on religious, cultural, social, and legal considerations.

In India , same sex marriage is not legally allowed but in Navtej Singh johar v. Union of India , 2018 the Supreme Court decriminalized some part of Section 377 of the Indian Penal Code ,which criminalized homosexuality . According to section 377 of IPC , physical relation between the person of same gender is unnatural and it consider as crime which is punishable by the court. This was a landmark step toward LGBTQ+ rights .

The supreme court of India heard a series of petitions to perform same sex marriage under the special marriage Act. The special marriage Act of 1954 provides a civil form of marriage for couples who cannot marry under their personal laws .

In the proceedings the centre government advised the supreme court to transfer the case to parliament on the matter, stating that the law cannot be changed to permit same sex marriage in India because according to them the marriage has traditionally been performed between a man and a women in our culture and the special marriage Act ,1954 was created to overcome the limitation of religious personal laws , not to create a new laws of marriage. They also suggest that in our society the marriage between two women or two men is consider as sin . It is against our culture .

The societal perception of same-sex relationships in India is diverse, with opinions ranging from conservative to progressive. While urban areas may exhibit more openness and acceptance, rural communities and traditional mindsets often uphold conventional views on marriage, making it challenging for LGBTQ+ individuals to gain societal acceptance.

In recent years, there has been a notable surge in activism advocating for LGBTQ+ rights and the legalization of same-sex marriage. Activists argue that denying same-sex couples the right to marry infringes upon their fundamental rights to equality and non-discrimination, as enshrined in the Indian Constitution.

India finds itself in a global context where numerous countries have recognized and legalized same-sex marriages. Advocates draw inspiration from these international examples, emphasizing that legalizing same-sex marriage aligns with the principles of human rights and inclusivity.

Challenges faced in same sex marriages:

Legal Recognition:

• Lack of legal recognition for same-sex marriages poses a significant challenge, leaving couples without the rights and protections afforded to heterosexual couples.

Social Stigma:

• Deep-seated societal norms and stigma surrounding same-sex relationships create an environment of discrimination, making it difficult for couples to gain acceptance from their families and communities.

Cultural and Religious Resistance:

• Opposition from conservative cultural and religious groups hinders progress, as traditional beliefs often do not align with the idea of same-sex marriages.

Family Pressure:

• Many individuals fear coming out to their families due to potential rejection, disapproval, or the risk of being rejected, which can strain familial relationships.

Lack of Awareness:

• Widespread lack of awareness about LGBTQ+ issues contributes to misunderstanding and perpetuates stereotypes, making it challenging for same-sex couples to gain support.

Discrimination at Work:

• Same-sex couples may face discrimination in the workplace, where policies and benefits are often structured around heterosexual relationships, impacting job satisfaction and career advancement.

Mental Health Struggles:

• The societal and familial challenges can lead to mental health issues for individuals in same-sex marriages, including anxiety, depression, and a sense of isolation.

No Adoption Rights:

• Same-sex couples often face challenges in adopting children due to legal barriers, denying them the opportunity to build a family through adoption.

Healthcare Disparities:

• Healthcare systems may not be adequately equipped to address the unique healthcare needs of LGBTQ+ individuals, impacting access to inclusive and respectful healthcare services.

Lack of Support Services:

• Limited availability of support services, including legal aid, counseling, and community resources, leaves same-sex couples without crucial assistance in navigating challenges.

Political Hurdles:

• The lack of political will to address LGBTQ+ issues and advocate for legal changes further complicates the path towards achieving equal rights for same-sex couples.

Suggestions For Same Sex Marriage

1. Legal Recognition and Legislation:

   • Advocate for the creation of specific legislation recognizing same-sex marriage in India.
   • Push for legal amendments that explicitly mention the rights and responsibilities of same-sex couples in marriage.

2. Education and Awareness:

   • Promote LGBTQ+ awareness programs in schools and communities to foster understanding and acceptance.
   • Encourage inclusive curriculum that cover diverse family structures, including same-sex relationships.

3. Media Representation:

   • Work towards increased positive representation of LGBTQ+ individuals and relationships in mainstream media.
   • Encourage the media to portray same-sex marriages as normal facets of society, helping to reduce stigma.

4. Corporate Inclusivity:

   • Advocate for inclusive workplace policies that acknowledge and support same-sex marriages.
   • Encourage companies to provide benefits and recognition to same-sex couples equivalent to those given to heterosexual couples.

5. Community Outreach:

   • Organize community events and forums to facilitate dialogue on LGBTQ+ issues.
   • Establish support groups for individuals and families to share experiences and provide emotional support.

6. Engagement with Religious Institutions:

   • Initiate conversations with religious leaders to foster understanding and acceptance within religious communities.
   • Encourage religious institutions to consider perspectives that promote inclusivity and respect for diverse relationships.

7. Political Advocacy:

   • Engage with political leaders to raise awareness about the importance of legal recognition for same-sex marriages.
   • Advocate for political parties to include LGBTQ+ rights in their agendas.

8. International Collaboration:

   • Collaborate with international LGBTQ+ rights organizations to share experiences and strategies.
   • Seek support from countries that have successfully legalized same-sex marriage.

9. Legal Aid and Support Services:

   • Establish legal aid services to assist same-sex couples facing discrimination or legal challenges.
   • Create counseling services to support individuals and families in navigating societal and legal complexities.

10. Public Campaigns:

    • Launch public awareness campaigns that highlight the importance of equal rights for all citizens.
    • Use social media platforms and traditional media to reach a wider audience with messages of inclusivity.

11. Youth Empowerment:

    • Establish LGBTQ+ youth groups to empower the younger generation to be advocates for change.
    • Encourage open discussions in educational institutions to break down stereotypes and prejudices.

12. Research and Data Collection:

    • Conduct research studies to gather data on the experiences and challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community in India.
    • Use this data to inform policies and initiatives that address specific needs.

By implementing these suggestions, there can be a collective effort to challenge societal norms, address legal gaps, and promote inclusivity for same-sex couples in India. It requires collaboration across various sectors to build a more accepting and supportive environment for LGBTQ+ individuals.

Conclusion:
In conclusion, the discourse on same-sex marriage in India reflects a complex interplay of legal, societal, and cultural factors. While the decriminalization of Section 377 marked a significant milestone, the absence of specific legislation recognizing same-sex marriages remains a poignant gap in the country's legal framework. Societal attitudes, deeply rooted in tradition and influenced by cultural and religious beliefs, pose substantial challenges for LGBTQ+ individuals seeking acceptance and legal recognition for their unions.

The journey towards acknowledging and embracing same-sex marriages involves a collective effort. Activism and advocacy play a crucial role in challenging societal norms, fostering awareness, and influencing legislative changes. The struggles faced by same-sex couples in India encompass issues of familial acceptance, workplace discrimination, and limited access to support services, underlining the need for comprehensive reforms.

The global landscape offers examples of countries that have successfully legalized same-sex marriages, providing a roadmap for India to consider as it navigates this evolving terrain. The call for equal rights and inclusivity echoes not only in legal forums but also in educational institutions, workplaces, and cultural spaces.

As India grapples with questions of tradition versus progress, the narrative on same-sex marriage is inherently tied to the broader conversation about human rights and individual freedoms. The pursuit of a more inclusive society necessitates open dialogue, education, and a reevaluation of cultural and legal frameworks. In this evolving landscape, the hope is for a future where same-sex couples in India can experience the full spectrum of legal recognition, societal acceptance, and the fundamental right to marry without prejudice.