Indian Sprinter Dutee Chand Gives Her Take On Supreme Court Verdict On Same-Sex Marriage

The Supreme Court Of India on Tuesday declared its verdict on the Same-Sex marriage, as it refused to legalise weddings between queer couples or grant authority to adopt children. Chief Justice of India D Y Chandrachud, who was heading the bench pronouncing its verdict on 21 pleas seeking legal validation for same-sex marriages, said the court can't make law but only interpret it and it is for Parliament to change the Special Marriage Act. As the verdict was announced, many queer couples, who planning to marry their partner/s, weren't pleased with the SC's verdict. One of them who voiced her opinion on the verdict was Indian national sprinter Dutee Chand, who said that she'd hoped to see the parliament passing the law of making same-sex marriage legal. (More Sports News)

"I plan to marry my partner Monalisa. But the decision of the top court has upset all plans. I have been living with Monalisa for five years. We are happy together and as adults, we have every right to make our own decisions. We hope Parliament passes a law allowing same-sex marriages," Dutee was quoted as saying by Times of India.

Talking about Dutee, the Indian athlete became the first openly gay sportsperson back in May 2019. Despite receiving heavy criticism from her family, Dutee stood her ground and planned to marry to her partner, Monalisa. Dutee was also praised by American celebrity Ellen DeGeneres who tweeted, "She’s the 100m record holder and the first openly gay sportsperson in India. I guess she knows a thing or two about being first. I’m so proud of her.”

In 2021, Dutee participated in the Queen's Baton in Birmingham where she shed light on the homophobia in Commonwealth countries. The sprinter sent a powerful message against homophobia when she held the 'rainbow flag' during the CWG 2022 Opening Ceremony.

In her interview with Indian Express, the athlete spoke on the same-sex marriage verdict by the Supreme Court and stated that everyone in this country should have right to marry of their choice, just like it is with voting. 

"We are not forcing anyone to be in a relationship with us. We do it by our choice. I think we should also be allowed to lead a life as per our choice. Why can't we (those in non-heterosexual relationships) lead a normal life? Several countries have granted recognition to same-sex marriage, what is the problem to legalise it in India?"

"Like the queer people have the right to vote, they should also be allowed to marry a person of their choice," Chand was quoted speaking in Indian Express.

Dutee has been in a relationship with Monalisa for few years now. The couple met during a during a Khudurkuni puja in Dutee's village and are planning to move in together after Monalisa completes her BA degree.