The 2015 Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges legalized same-sex marriage nationwide, marking a significant milestone for LGBTQ rights and leading to increased marriage rates among same-sex couples, especially in the South. Despite this progress, opponents continue to seek reconsideration of the ruling, and federal laws like the Respect for Marriage Act reinforce its legal standing.
An LGBTQ+ couple in Nepal, Maya Gurung and Surendra Pandey, have become the first in South Asia to have their marriage legally recognized. After facing legal and social difficulties, their marriage was registered under a new order issued by the supreme court. Nepal has been a regional leader in LGBTQ+ rights, being the first South Asian country to pass laws against discrimination based on sexual orientation and recognizing transgender individuals as a "third gender." However, same-sex couples in Nepal still face challenges of social acceptance, discrimination, and violence.
Hong Kong's Court of Final Appeal has ordered the government to establish a legal framework recognizing same-sex marriages registered overseas, ending a five-year legal battle. The court ruled that the government's failure to recognize same-sex partnerships violated its obligation and gave a two-year deadline for compliance. While the ruling is seen as a major step forward, it falls short of granting full marriage rights. The decision is expected to have a significant impact on the social acceptance of LGBTQ+ relationships in Hong Kong.
