With the Supreme Court set to hear petitions seeking legal recognition for same-sex marriages on Tuesday, a study among Indians has revealed that legalising such unions will have a positive impact on LGBTQIA+ individuals' mental health. The study was based on an online survey conducted by a group of six researchers. The study titled The Anticipated Impact of LGBTQIA+ Marriage Equality Legislation on Indian Society and Mental Health, revealed that legalising same-sex marriage and marriage equality would promote well-being. Additionally, it can also promote legal security and access to legal rights for LGBTQIA+ individuals.
What the Study Revealed?
The researchers surveyed to learn more about Indians' attitudes regarding same-sex marriage legalisation. Out of a total of 5,825 respondents, 95% agreed that legalising marriage for LGBTQIA+ persons would reduce mental health-related hardship among teenagers, and 93% agreed that marriage equality would reduce mental health-related hardship among adolescents. The study also discovered that the Supreme Court's decriminalisation of Section 377 had a favourable influence on the mental health of LGBTQIA+ people.
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Furthermore, 93% of respondents agreed that legalising same-sex marriage will enhance mental health outcomes in LGBTQIA+ adolescents and families, such as lower levels of anxiety, depression, grief, suicidal thoughts, and so on. Furthermore, it would bring to light the actual experiences of queer couples.
While researching the potential impact of same-sex marriage legalisation, the study discovered that the Supreme Court's decriminalisation of Section 377 in 2018 had an overwhelmingly favourable impact on the mental health of members of the LGBTQIA+ community. According to the co-author Sanjana Mishra, decriminalising homosexuality, according to 87% of respondents, reduces stigma while increasing support, acceptance, and a sense of belonging.
While the majority of respondents supported legalising same-sex marriage, 3% opposed it. Among this 3% people, some said that such acts were against religious and cultural ideas, and nature and reproduction, while others said that it was a Western concept, according to co-author Megha Sharda.
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The Current Status
In India, the matter of same-sex marriage is under-hearing in the Supreme Court. A Constitution Bench is considering petitions seeking legal recognition of same-sex marriage in India.
The petitions sought legal recognition of same-sex marriage, arguing that the right to marry a person of one’s choice should be given to LGBTQIA+ persons as well. The Central Government has objected to gay couples' pleas to the Supreme Court.
The hearing is to be held Tuesday, 18 April 2023. Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud chairs the bench along with Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, S Ravindra Bhat, PS Narasimha, and Hima Kohli.
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