Tears of Joy for Nepali Gays, Transgender Persons over Supreme Court Decision
Government is directed to address discrimination – and even same-sex marriage
http://www.ukgaynews.org.uk/Archive/08/Nov/1703.htm (http://www.ukgaynews.org.uk/Archive/08/Nov/1703.htm)
KATHMANDU, November 17, 2008 – There were tears of joy in the Nepali LGBT community today when the Supreme Court published its full written decision on a petition demanding both protection and rights for sexual and gender minorities.
"Reading this decision my eyes were filled with tears and I felt we are the most proud LGBTI citizens of Nepal in the world," admitted Nepal's only openly gay Member of Parliament Sunil Babu Pant, who heads the country's Blue Diamond Society.
"It is the most beautiful news," he added.
The petition was filed by the Blue Diamond Society and three other LGBTI groups in Nepal.
Great! :)
Blue Diamond gets things done - folks may remember them from the news earlier this year that they are providing job training for transgender people. http://www.nepalitimes.com.np/issue/386/Nation/14457
Now, if only India would change its ways. I'm not going to hold my breath, though, considering homosexuality is still illegal and hijras are often targeted by the police.
Seriously cool.