KATHMANDU, Oct 10: For the first time in the country, a same-sex marriage between citizens of different countries has been held both legally and ritually in Nepal.
Nepali youth Prajit Budhathoki and US national Joey Foster Ellis were married on Thursday in Kathmandu, with the chanting of mantras by two Brahmin priests.
Immediately after the Hindu ritual, a Christian priest solemnized their marital vows and announced that they are now referred to as husbands.
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After legally registering their marriage in the Dharan sub-metropolitan city, the duo also conducted a religious ceremony.
This marriage has become possible after the recent recognition of same-sex marriage in Nepal. Supreme Court Justice Til Prasad Shrestha ordered the government to establish a separate register for the marriage registration of "sexual minorities and non-traditional couples," allowing such marriages to be temporarily registered.
After the Supreme Court issued an interim order recognizing same-sex marriage, Lamjung's Doradi Rural Municipality registered the marriage of Surendra Pandey and Maya Gurung on November 29 of last year.
Two priests were brought from Pashupati to officiate the wedding of Prajit and Joey in the marriage ceremony held in Kathmandu on Thursday. "Love is accepted by our scriptures regardless of who it comes from," said priest Shiva Raj Regmi after the ceremony. "It is a joyful thing to be able to officiate such a wedding. Service is indeed a duty," he added.
After the Hindu ceremony, Christian priest Mark Lodico instructed them to exchange rings as part of their marital vows. "I accept you just as you are," Joy said emotionally while exchanging rings. "I am excited about our shared future. I love you very much."
While exchanging rings, not just the couple but everyone present was emotional. Former MP and LGBTQ+ activist Sunil Babu Panta played the role of a father for both grooms.
A spokesperson from the US Embassy in Kathmandu congratulated the newly-wed couple, stating, "This union reflects a broader acceptance and equality for LGBTQ+ couples in Nepal.”
