The Supreme Court of Nepal has delivered a landmark victory for LGBTQIA+ equality, ordering the government to formally recognise same-sex marriage.
The historic ruling, issued on 18 June 2026, follows a years-long legal battle led by LGBTQIA+ activists, including Pinky Gurung and eight other members of the Blue Diamond Society network.
The Supreme Court’s decision directs the Government of Nepal to guarantee marriage equality by updating the civil code and removing language that discriminates against LGBTQIA+ couples.
The Blue Diamond Society welcomed the judgment as a major milestone towards achieving full equality and legal recognition for same-sex couples in the South Asia country.
The ruling also dismissed a counter-petition filed by advocate Yuvraj Paudel, which sought to challenge and block marriage equality protections.
A nearly two-decade journey towards equality
The latest ruling builds on Nepal’s long history of progressive LGBTQIA+ legal developments. Same-sex sexual activity was decriminalised in 2007 following a Supreme Court decision that recognised the rights and protections of sexual and gender minorities.
The 2007 judgment paved the way for broader legal recognition of LGBTQIA+ rights, with the Supreme Court repeatedly affirming that discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity is incompatible with Nepal’s constitutional guarantees.
In June 2023, Pinky Gurung and fellow activists filed their petition against the Government of Nepal and the Office of the Prime Minister, arguing that LGBTQIA+ couples were entitled to equal marriage rights.
The Supreme Court responded by ordering temporary marriage registration for same-sex couples while the government worked towards legislative reform. Since then, couples have been able to register their marriages at local government institutions, although full legal certainty required the final ruling issued this month.
“A guarantee under Nepal’s Constitution”
The Blue Diamond Society said the judgment represents the culmination of decades of advocacy and sends a powerful message about dignity, equality, and family recognition.
“The ruling is now the fourth Supreme Court decision over nearly two decades that makes clear: the freedom to marry the person you love is a guarantee under Nepal’s Constitution, and LGBTQIA+ couples and their families must be afforded the dignity, respect, and protections that only marriage can provide,” the organisation said.
Human rights activist Sunil Babu Pant, who has long advocated for LGBTQIA+ equality in Nepal, welcomed the ruling as an important step towards strengthening legal protections.
“This final judgment provides much-needed certainty for same-sex couples who have already registered their marriages and further strengthens the legal foundation for marriage equality in Nepal,” Pant told Pahichan Media.
“It is an important step toward ensuring that all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity, are treated with equal respect and dignity under the law.”
The Blue Diamond Society said it now looks forward to seeing the government implement the court’s directive and translate the judgment into practical legal protections for LGBTQIA+ couples and families.
