In its manifesto released in 2019, CPI(M)’s General Secretary promised legal recognition and protection to queer couples through civil union along the lines of the Special Marriage Act, 1954, such that the partner can be listed as a dependent for inheritance, alimony in case of divorce etc.
Earlier today, i.e., the 5th of April, 2024, the Indian National Congress also announced its promise to usher in a law that would recognize civil unions in its manifesto. The move was lauded by Mario da Penha, who is a spokesperson of the national party and a queer person himself who had petitioned in the case for marriage equality in India. He credited various queer advocates within the party for what he called a ‘historic milestone’. Among them, Akkai Padmashali, Rie Raut, Francis D’Costa, Shyam Konnur, Trudy Dsouza. He also added that the party will “keep its door open for engagement on other issues” affecting the lives of queer folx in the country.
Besides this, the Indian National Congress Party also promised to expand Articles 15 and 16 of the Indian Constitution to prohibit discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation, disability, and other ‘impairments’. Several other measures such as assisted living and care centre provisions were also promised by the party in its manifesto, aimed at persons with disabilities and senior citizens.
Other issues affecting the lives of queer folx in India include:
1) Lack of opportunities for education and employment within the public sector, where the transgender community has demanded for horizontal reservation where caste-based reservation is currently offered, such that the double burden of caste-oppression and trans-ness are both fairly addressed;
2) Safety in civic spaces and access to public transportation and gender-inclusive restrooms in public;
3) Addressing systemic issues to ensure sensitized, inclusive healthcare (mental health, public health initiatives like blood donation and gender-affirming medical services) and education;
4) Safer, inclusive workplaces and worker rights;
5) Comprehensive sexuality and gender education in schools, safety of young queer folx pursuing courses at educational institutions, and consent-based physical education;
6) Ease of self-determination in legal documentation
7) A disability-aware approach to civic systems and infrastructure
