As Marriage Equality Hearing Concludes, 8 Voices That Must Be Heard

Here's all the evidence to challenge the Bar Council's false claim that 99.9% Indians are against queer marriage.

Amidst all the queerphobic noise, and as we await the verdict, here are voices that must be amplified right now.

(Image Courtesy: Twitter/Altered by The Quint)

As the Supreme Court concludes the historic Marriage Equality hearings, several government and bureaucratic bodies have expressed strong opposition to the LGBTQIA+ community’s fight for equal civil liberties and fundamental rights.

Amidst all the queerphobic noise, and as we await the verdict, here are 8 sane voices that must be amplified right now:

1. Indian Psychiatric Society

Over 8,000 mental health practitioners issued a statement in support of queer marriages and other civil liberties for LGBTQIA+ couples.

2. Delhi Commission for Protection of Child Rights (DCPCR)

The DCPCR filed an application and moved the Supreme Court supporting LGBTQ+ unions and queer parenting. 

3. Sweekar – The Rainbow Parents

In an open letter to the Chief Justice of India, over 400 parents of queer Indians requested the court to grant marriage equality to their children.

4. 600+ Law Students In India

Over 30 queer and allied groups across Indian law schools issued a statement condemning the Bar Council's negative plea and standing in solidarity. 

5. 50+ LGBTQIA+ College/University Collectives Across India

Over 50 queer collectives in colleges and universities across India issued an open letter to the Supreme Court, demanding the right to marry and to build a family.

6. 80+ Indian Drag Artists

The Pink List India, an archival organisation that tracks Indian politicians' stance on LGBTQIA+ rights, recently released an open letter signed by over 80 drag artists across the country.

7. Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha

Backed by the Jharkhand Janadhikar Mahasabha, more than 100 activists and organisations in Jharkhand issued a statement in favour of the LGBTQIA+ community's fight for marriage equality.

8. 100+ Queer Teens and Adolescents

In an open letter to CJI Chandrachud, over hundred queer teens and adolescents urged the five-judge panel to pass a favourable judgement for the sake of their futures.