What Asian Nation was the first to include LGBT Rights in their constitution?
This year has been glorious with great news about LGBT Rights and Equality from across the globe North America and Europe. We are patiently waiting for the continent / country of Australia to join us in honoring Marriage Equality. But what of Africa or Asia. What great news has come from there this past year? We've seen Russia take zero steps forward and 100 steps back. China? We use to hear about human rights concerns in China, but now it's all about trade or no trade. Pakistan is quite young with having its first pride in 2011. Struggle in South Korea, Japan, Turkey, and Taiwan have been documented too.
So what was the first Asian nation to Constitutionally protect us?
Nepal is the first country in Asia, and one of the first in the world, where rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender are fully protected by a country's constitution. Nepal tourism has been showing tolerance and openness to LGBT tourism for some time.
Nepal will adopt its first full democratic charter on Sunday, a historic step for a nation that has witnessed war, a palace massacre and devastating earthquakes since a campaign to create a modern state began more than 65 years ago.
Here are some facts about the constitution:
* The constitution defines Nepal as a secular country, despite widespread protests for it to be declared a Hindu state.
* A clause stating "Religious and cultural freedom, with the protection of religion and culture practiced since ancient times" has angered some people who say it favours Hinduism.
* Proselytising remains illegal, reflecting fears of growing numbers of low-caste and other marginalized groups converting to Christianity.
* Rights to citizenship were hotly debated during the drafting and critics say the constitution discriminates against women in terms of passing on citizenship.
* The constitution is the first in Asia to specifically protect the rights of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities. The state and the judiciary are prohibited from discriminating against sexual and gender minorities.
* The rhododendron is the national flower, and the cow remains the national animal after seeing off a charge from several lawmakers proposing the one-horned rhino. – eturbonews.com
Congrats to Nepal for leading the way! Let's hope your neighbors follow suit.
But one thing Nepal did not do is mention marriage equality.
In a groundbreaking move, the new Nepal Constitution has explicitly included rights for LGBT individuals, while stopping short of legalising same-sex marriage.
According to a report by HRC Global and Pink Pages, Nepal has enshrined equal rights and freedom from discrimination in Articles 12, 18 and 42 of the new constitution.
Incredibly, while many western countries have legalised same sex marriage, none have provided for explicit and full anti-discrimination legislation in their constitutions. Thus, Nepal joins South Africa and Ecuador as the third country to provide full protections for LGBT people in its national constitution.. – dnaindia.com
Still a great advancement. Only three nations? Will the U.S. ever be on that short list?
Congratulations Nepal. It is
Congratulations Nepal. It is a first step to equality.
Does this include marriage
Does this include marriage equality?