Nepal's highest court issued a “landmark” decision ordering the government to protect its gay and lesbian citizens and protect them from discrimination, the AP reports:
“The Supreme Court issued the order in this conservative Himalayan kingdom after hearing a petition filed by four gay activist groups seeking greater rights for homosexuals, said court spokesman Til Prasad Shrestha. Mr Shrestha indicated it is up to the government to determine how the ruling should be implemented. It was not immediately clear whether the ruling overturns current laws banning homosexuality or whether the government would be compelled to recognise same-sex marriages. Homosexual acts are punishable in Hindu-majority Nepal by up to two years in prison.”
Said Sunil Pant, head of Nepal's activist group the Blue Diamond Society: “It was an extremely positive decision and a pleasant surprise for us. It would set a precedent for other conservative countries like Nepal.”
