After two years together, Ramita and Shilu, both 22, attempted to register their marriage in Sunkoshi, Nepal, following a 2023 Supreme Court ruling allowing same-sex marriafe. Their application was met with confusion, delays, and rejection, by local officials. Ramita’s family, opposed to their relationship, reported Ramita as missing, leading to police involvement and a confrontation at the police office. Citing safety concerns, both women were incarcerated by police in the women’s cell in Jawalakhel. Subsequently, the police transferred Ramita to the custody of her family, despite her clear desire to marry Shilu and her fears for her safety at their hands.
Police dismissed her concerns, citing a lack of abuse-related injuries and family engagement as proof of care. During the altercation with Ramita’s family, the women had been holding hands for protection, leading to police hostility, verbal abuse and judgement.
Ramita continues to fear family coercion, with her family intending to subject her to faith based conversion therapy and forced (heterosexual) marriage. In the words of Ramita’s sister in law “Even if you die or become disabled, I’ll still make you marry a man.”
Original reporting at: https://76crimes.com/2025/05/14/lesbian-couple-in-nepal-tried-to-record-their-marriage-police-jailed-them/ (source)
Listening to Lesbians 