Ahead Of Elections, Political Parties Make Big Promises To LGBTQIA+ Community In Their Manifestos
Last year, the Indian Supreme Court failed to legalize same-sex marriage, but it did acknowledge the different types of discrimination faced by the LGBTQIA+ community and instructed authorities to protect them.
Now that elections are coming up, political parties are making promises to everyone, and this time, also to LGBTQIA+ community.?
Political parties made big promises for LGBTQIA+ community in their manifestos??
On Friday, the Indian National Congress unveiled its electoral manifesto for the upcoming Lok Sabha elections, outlining its agenda if elected to power at the Centre. In its manifesto, the Congress party stated that it intends to introduce legislation to legalise civil unions between?LGBTQIA+ couples.
The Congress party said, “After wide consultation, Congress will bring a law to recognize civil unions between couples belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community.”
Along with Congress, Communist Party of India (Marxist) also made similar and more promises in their manifesto.?
It read, “Amend the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019 to address concerns raised by the community. Legal recognition and protection to same sex couples similar to marriage - ‘civil union’,? ‘same-sex-partnerships’, legislation/s on similar lines as Special Marriage Act, 1954 so that the partner can be listed as a dependent, for inheritance, alimony in case of divorce etc (sic).”?
Furthermore, “A comprehensive anti-discriminatory bill covering LGBTQ+. Reservation in education institutions; ensuring horizontal reservation in employment. Ensuring crimes against LGBTQ+ persons are treated on par with crimes against non-LGBTQ+ persons. Measures to address bullying, violence and harassment of gender non-conforming and LGBTQ+ students, staff and teachers in educational spaces; enforcement of UGC anti-ragging policy amendment (2016) that addresses ragging based on sexual orientation and gender identity, ensuring accessible and safe bathrooms for trans, intersex and gender non-conforming students, staff and faculty. Sex change surgeries of?LGBTQ+??should not be done without their informed consent (sic)."?
The small beginnings of bigger dreams?
Sharing the hopeful promises on social media, Supreme Court advocate Rahul Sangwan, who was also one of the advocates for the petitioner in the Marriage Equality Case, says, “In light of the Supreme Court’s refusal to legalise same-sex marriage and passing the baton to the Legislature to recognise Marriage Equality for the Queer Community, it is indeed a welcome step by the National Parties to specify in their election manifestos, the change they intend to bring for the members of the LGBTQIA+ community.”
However, it is a small beacon of hope, adds Sangwan. He also feels that this should affect people’s voting preferences, where they can see which parties will stand for their rights if brought to power.?
“At the end of the day we all want a progressive government for ourselves who can bring forth the necessary change for the better and recognises the civil liberties of all minorities, specifically the sexual minorities,” advocate concludes.?
The question remains, will it bring any change? “It definitely would, it's like the beginning, as betterment of a cohort always begins when the group is considered as a VOTE BANK! Without being one, more laws are dependent on the court only and not the legislators, “ says political consultant Vaishnavi.?
She adds, “These manifestos are a testament to which side you are on, like right-wing won't quote?LGBTQIA+?(most likely) but left side would, to prove their ideology. On the other side, parties have started to understand that?LGBTQIA+??is a strong community, and even mentioning them can gain their support (sic).”
“Although (political) parties do not publicise it much, you'll hardly see politicians announcing these manifestos in their public speeches to ensure their orthodox voters don't get upset!”?
Have these manifestos materialised in the past? The consultant agrees and says it depends on the pressure groups, like it takes more protest/call-outs to remind parties what they have promised.?
Manifestos have been made but only time will tell whether or not these promises will materialise, but right now all we country can do is hope and vote, when the time comes.?
What do you think about this? Tell us in the comments.
For more trending stories, follow us on?Telegram.??
