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Mun

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8 views6 pages

Mun

Uploaded by

Pinki Tonger
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
We take content rights seriously. If you suspect this is your content, claim it here.
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As a representative of the Nationalist

Congress Party, I stand here


committed to the principles of
equality, justice, and secularism that
guide both our party and our
Constitution. Today, we discuss a
pressing issue: ensuring that the
Special Marriage Act of 1954 reflects
the evolving needs of our society
and includes all citizens, including
the LGBTQ+ community.
The Nationalist Congress Party
believes in upholding the
constitutional values of fairness and
dignity for every individual. We
recognize that every citizen,
regardless of their gender identity or
sexual orientation, has the right to
live with respect and equality under
the law. While significant progress
was made with the decriminalization
of Section 377 in 2018, much work
remains to be done to provide
LGBTQ+ individuals with the same
legal protections and recognition as
others.
Our party has always supported
social reforms that promote harmony
and inclusivity. We understand that
societal change is a gradual process
that requires dialogue and
education. By discussing reforms to
the Special Marriage Act, we are
taking a step toward building a more
inclusive India—one that celebrates
diversity and ensures equal
opportunities for all.
The NCP’s stance is clear: laws must
reflect the realities of our society
and protect the rights of all citizens,
especially those who have been
marginalized. As we deliberate these
reforms, let us work together to
uphold justice and create a legal
framework that treats every Indian
equally.

Opening speech
As a Member of the Lok Sabha and
representative of the Nationalist Congress
Party, I am privileged to address this
gathering on an issue that is vital to ensuring
justice and equality for all citizens—the need
to reform the Special Marriage Act of 1954 to
include and protect the rights of the LGBTQ+
community.
The Special Marriage Act was a progressive
law when it was enacted, allowing people
from different religions and castes to marry
under a secular framework. It broke barriers
and paved the way for equality. However,
over the years, it has become clear that the
Act excludes a significant section of our
society—same-sex couples and individuals
from the LGBTQ+ community.
The landmark 2018 Supreme Court judgment
that decriminalized same-sex relationships
was a historic moment for India. It recognized
the dignity and rights of LGBTQ+ individuals.
But decriminalization is not enough. Without
the legal right to marry, LGBTQ+ couples are
denied access to protections and benefits,
such as inheritance rights, medical decision-
making for partners, and even societal
acceptance.
As a representative of a party that stands for
secularism, social justice, and equality, I firmly
believe that reforms to the Special Marriage
Act are necessary to ensure that all citizens,
regardless of their gender or whom they love,
are treated equally under the law. The
Constitution guarantees these rights, and it is
our duty to uphold them.
At the same time, I understand that change
requires dialogue and education. India is a
diverse country, and societal acceptance is as
important as legal reforms. We must engage
with communities, promote awareness, and
work together to build an inclusive society
where everyone feels respected and valued.
The time for action is now. Let us ensure that
the Special Marriage Act lives up to its
purpose of promoting equality and love,
transcending barriers of caste, religion, and
now, gender and orientation. Together, we
can create a future where every Indian,
regardless of identity, has the right to live
with dignity and equality.
Thank you.

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