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On June 18, 2026, Nepal’s Supreme Court officially recognized marriage equality, marking a significant milestone for the country’s LGBTQ+ community after nearly two decades of legal battles. The court issued a binding directive mandating the government to ensure equal marriage rights for gender and sexual minorities, dismissing a counter-writ petition that sought to oppose these rights.
This ruling is the fourth Supreme Court decision on marriage equality in Nepal, underscoring the constitutional guarantee of the freedom to marry for all citizens, regardless of gender or sexual orientation. The legal journey began with the 2007 case of Sunil Babu Pant vs. the Nepal government, which first established protections for sexual and gender minorities. An interim ruling in 2023 provisionally recognized same-sex marriages while the final case was pending.
The Supreme Court’s directive requires the government to amend the civil code by removing discriminatory language and establishing a separate marriage registry for same-sex couples. By early 2026, local LGBTQ+ rights organizations documented 35 same-sex marriages, with nine confirmed by local media, providing a foundation for these couples under the new ruling.
Despite the historic legal victory, there are concerns regarding the government’s compliance with the Supreme Court’s directive. Nepal has a history of delaying or ignoring such rulings, which raises questions about the practical implementation of marriage equality in the country. The Blue Diamond Society, Nepal’s leading LGBTQ+ rights organization, expressed cautious optimism while emphasizing the need for the government to act swiftly to translate this ruling into reality.
As the nation moves forward, the directive stands as a binding legal victory for same-sex couples in Nepal, providing them with essential rights and protections previously denied. The ongoing commitment to equality and human rights for all citizens remains a focal point as the country navigates the next steps in this transformative journey.
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