The country of Mount Everest and Lumbini, the birthplace of Buddha, is quickly gaining a reputation as the most gay-friendly country in Asia, with no problems adopting tolerant and progressive legislation in all matters related to the rights of sexual diversity. Last June Nepal’s Supreme Court ordered the government to introduce a third category of passports for people who do not identify as neither man nor woman.
Already in December 2007 the court requested laws to guarantee equal rights for the LGBT community and the amendment of all laws that are discriminatory. Neither the government nor any social or religious group has challenged the court’s order. The government set up a committee to draft a bill for same sex marriage. No political party oppose to this and its results will be included in the Constitution of Nepal, protecting the rights of sexual minorities.
The Nepalese TV hosts a weekly show on prime time where Nepali celebrities discuss human rights concerning the LGBT community.
Hindus and Buddhists alike support LGBT rights. Although it is seen as a religion of tolerance, acceptance of sexual minorities is not intrinsic to Hinduism. In the case of Nepal a key influence comes from the Tantra, which is more liberal, it embraces the world and does not deny it. Many of the Hindu Tantric deities are transsexual.
KEEP GOING NEPAL!!!!!
