Kathmandu, 14 May: Maya Ko Pahichan Nepal, an organization established to advocate for the rights of gender and sexual minorities, stated that the safe reunion and legal marriage registration of a same-sex couple—who were previously abducted by family members under police watch—marks a victory for justice and love.
Sunil Babu Pant, former Constituent Assembly member and Executive Director of Maya Ko Pahichan Nepal, issued a press statement highlighting that the couple, Sushila Ramtel and her partner Pramila Tamang, successfully registered their marriage legally due to the joint efforts of Maya Ko Pahichan Nepal and OREC Nepal, as well as the solidarity of the LGBTQ+ community.
“We want to extend our heartfelt congratulations to Sushila and Pramila. Their courageous struggle will inspire many others,” the statement reads. “We also hope that no one in the future has to face humiliation, abduction, or abuse because of their sexual identity or loving relationship.”
Previously, both families had been close to signing a reconciliation agreement, but Pramila Tamang’s family later refused to sign. Since both individuals are listed as female on their citizenship documents, the ward secretary of Ward No. 6, Sunkoshi Rural Municipality in Sindhuli, Dandapani Bhandari, initially expressed hesitation, stating that he needed to study the matter. However, he later agreed to issue the marriage certificate within a week.
After being in a same-sex relationship for two years, Sushila Ramtel of Sindhuli and Pramila Tamang of Dhading have now successfully registered their same-sex marriage legally. The Supreme Court had issued an interim order on Asar 12, 2080 (June 27, 2023), allowing same-sex marriage. Following this, the Ministry of Home Affairs, through the National Identity and Registration Department, circulated a notice on Baisakh 12, 2081 (April 24, 2024) instructing all 753 local units to begin registering marriages of same-sex and third-gender couples.
Press Statement
On Baisakh 26, 2081 (May 8, 2024), voices were raised against the abduction and abuse of a same-sex woman inside the premises of Lalitpur Police Complex, in the presence of police personnel. One of the victims, Pramila Tamang, was forcibly taken by her own brother and sister-in-law—with the active presence of law enforcement. This incident highlighted the deeply entrenched gender and sexual prejudices still present in our society.
However, hope and resilience pave their own path. With the support of Maya Ko Pahichan Nepal and OREC Nepal, the couple was eventually reunited in a safe environment. Through collective efforts and the solidarity of the community, Sushila Ramtel and Pramila Tamang succeeded in registering their marriage legally.
Initially, resistance came not only from family pressure but also from the ignorance of Ward Secretary Dandapani Bhandari. Maya Ko Pahichan Nepal’s team appealed to Mukesh Kumar Keshari, Director of the National Identity and Registration Department, to ensure an enabling environment for marriage registration. Upon his directive, the ward secretary complied—whereas previously he had been making various excuses.
This marriage registration is not just recognition of the love between two individuals—it is a historic moment that brings to life the provisions of Nepal’s Constitution, human rights principles, and the Supreme Court’s orders. Especially following the Supreme Court’s order of Asar 12, 2080, which secured the legal right of same-sex couples to marry, this case serves as a powerful example: Love deserves equality, not discrimination.
We offer our heartfelt congratulations to Sushila and Pramila. Their brave struggle will undoubtedly give courage to many others. And we hope that from now on, no individual has to endure disrespect, abduction, or abuse because of their sexual identity or whom they love.
We also remind all branches of the state: Protecting personal freedom, love, and human rights is both a moral and legal obligation of the government.
