More Than Half of Indians Support Legalising Same-Sex Marriages: Pew Research

A hot-button topic in India that has seen strong views come to light on both sides of the aisle, the legalisation of same-sex marriage may have more supporters than previously known. A recent Pew Research Centre survey shows that 53% of adult Indians support legalising same-sex unions. The survey found that 28% of those in support of such a union "strongly favour" it, while 25% "somewhat favour" the idea. Only 31% of Indian adults "strongly oppose" and 12% "somewhat oppose" such marriages, adding up to 43% who are opposed to the legalisation.

The study was conducted by Pew Research Centre between February 20 and May 2022 in 24 nations among over 27 thousand participants to see how people around the world felt about same-sex marriage. In India, the survey was conducted face-to-face. More than half of adult Indians surveyed showed support for making same-sex marriages legal which may come as a boost for same-sex couples and others who support the cause.

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While homosexuality is currently legal in India, marriage between two homosexual adults is still not legally recognised. This matter is currently being deliberated in the Supreme Court with a five-judge panel hearing the case. Some Bollywood celebrities and other well-known personalities have supported the cause in the past and we've mentioned them below:

Karan Johar, a renowned Bollywood filmmaker said on Day 1 of the India Today Conclave Mumbai, 2019, "I think gay marriages being allowed is the next step. I hope that it happens soon" adding about the day that the Indian Supreme Court decriminalised same-sex relationships and abolished Section 377 ruling that it was unconstitutional, "I woke up and cried that day for myself and the community because there was finally freedom. It was a historical judgement. And it was just a moment to celebrate one true love. I'm so glad it is finally accepted legally, that you can love who you love."

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Hansal Mehta, the reputed director of Modern Love: Mumbai, took to Twitter earlier this year to promote the cause of same-sex marriages. In his tweet, he said 'Come on Supreme Court! Pave the path. Legalise same-sex marriages. #AbKiBaarPyaar'

Come on Supreme Court! Pave the path. Legalise same-sex marriages.#AbKiBaarPyaar pic.twitter.com/Xk4ADBH3UF

— Hansal Mehta (@mehtahansal) April 18, 2023

Bollywood actress Celina Jaitly tweeted, "I stand with the Indian LGBTQ in their battle for the right to life to dignity..."

I stand with the Indian #LGBTQ in their battle for the right to life to dignity, to the institution of marriage & family which is available to others Today a 5 judge Constitution Bench hears pleas seeking legal recognition for same-sex marriage@free_equal : https://t.co/3g2zcfkOEQ pic.twitter.com/GY4W8dYMvG

— Celina Jaitly (@CelinaJaitly) April 18, 2023

Standup comedian, Vir Das, also tweeted on the same day, "Hoping our honourable SC legalises same-sex marriages today."

Hoping our honourable SC legalises #samesexmarriage today 🤞❤️

— Vir Das (@thevirdas) April 18, 2023

Sumona Chakravarty, also a well-known face on the Indian silver screen also responded on the same day, 'Hoping our honourable SC (Supreme Court) legalises #samesexmarriage today '

Hoping our honourable SC legalises #samesexmarriage today 🤞🏽🙌🏽
🌈

— Sumona Chakravarti (@sumona24) April 18, 2023

While same-sex marriage is a sensitive matter in India, credible surveys could go a long way in offering an objective snapshot of the population's varying attitudes and perspectives on the subject. 

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