Tamanna Sharraf
While marriage is considered a pious ceremony, not all are provided with the privilege of legalising their relationships. In fact, there are around 33 countries where same-sex marriages are regarded as criminal activity. Although most global religious leaders accept followers of all genders and sexualities, many governments are yet to follow through.
The Netherlands was the first country to legalize gay marriage. Job Cohen - former mayor of Amsterdam - married four same-sex couples at the stroke of midnight and signed off the end of a homophobic law.
Belgium legalized gay marriage in 2003 and adoption for same-sex couples in 2006 despite having a religious majority of Roman Catholics who believe homosexuality to be a sin. More than 70 LGBT+ couples have adopted children into their families since then. However, there are still setbacks. Belgium has experienced significant anti-gay sentiment, especially among adolescents.
Spain has a colourful history concerning gender rights, dating back to the Roman Empire when marriages between men were common processions. Same-sex couples were initially recognized in 1994, after which the law underwent many amendments until they regained their rights in 2005. Adoption, in-vitro fertilization and other reproductive facilities have been announced free to all lesbian and single women since 2018. Spain is one of the most liberal and LGBT-friendly countries in the world.
However, countries like the United States still grapple with legitimate equality despite having made gay marriage legal in all 50 states by 2015. The legal struggle for marriage and adoption rights continues in 2021. Under Donald Trump's presidency, the USA saw a rise in the number of conservative anti-LGBT groups. With the rise in Baptist churches worldwide, the hostility is slowly spreading through hateful protests and signs featuring homophobic slogans.
The most significant loophole in freedom of speech is undoubtedly defamatory speech. When it comes to LGBTQ+ rights, the emotional and physical trauma incurred is extensive and disheartening. Horrific practices such as conversion therapy continue to sustain in many parts of the world.
Countries like Russia and Singapore have enlisted bans on homosexuality. Afghanistan retains capital punishment for homosexual activity. Many African states conduct forceful anal exams to keep homosexuality "in check". Similarly, Hungary passed an anti-LGBT+ law banning "homosexual and transexual propaganda", which is now facing severe backlash through pride parades.
In a progressive step, homosexuality was decriminalized in India in 2018. However, marriage and adoption are still not permitted, dubiously citing religion as a reason. Pro-LGBT protests go unnoticed and legal petitions go unacknowledged.
On a positive note, a District Court in Haryana ceded legal recognition to a married lesbian couple, indicating there is still hope for the LGBT+ movement in India. Many countries are also introducing anti-discrimination laws to prevent hate speech. However, there is still a long way to go.
The pioneers of this outstanding success are rampant in number. Still, some of the most memorable ones include Phyllis Lyon - one of the first queer women to get married in California. She also founded the first lesbian rights organization in the USA. Others include husbands Michael McConnell and Jack Baker, advocates of gay marriage rights in Minnesota, USA. Edith Windsor, without whom same-sex marriage wouldn't have been declared a constitutional right in the US. Not least of all, Alexya Salvador, a Brazilian pastor who became the first trans woman to adopt a child in Brazil.
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