Indian lesbian couple ask court for protection from anti-gay family members

Illustrated rainbow pride flag on a white background.

A newly-married lesbian couple in India have asked a court to protect them from homophobic family members.

The women, aged 20 and 25, from Manesar, near New Delhi, say their families have threatened to kill them since they wed on July 22nd.

Although homosexuality has been decriminalised, India does not recognise same-sex marriage so the pair’s nuptials are not legally binding.

The couple told NDTV: “Our family members can take harsh steps against us. They even threatened to kill us. We were married on the 22nd and are now in court seeking protection.”

Their lawyer said: “After several murders of couples, we have enforced stricter laws for them. The road ahead is far from easy, but these couples aren’t deterred.”