Nawalpur: Devchuli Municipality Ward-3 of Nawalpur has registered a same-sex marriage between a Nepali national, Sampurna Adhikari (name changed) and a Non-Resident Nepali individual, Heema Gurung.

Sampurna from Keureni in Nawalpur and Heema, originally from Shanischare in Morang, now a US citizen, got married two years ago, and have legalised their union at the local level, marking a milestone for their families and the entire sexual and gender minorities (SGM) in Nepal.

Sampurna submitted the necessary documents for the legal recognition of their marriage, including a no objection letter from the U.S. Embassy in Nepal and a certified copy of the marriage law of Atlanta of the U.S. State of Georgia.

Local registrar Rabindra Paudel processed the couple’s marriage registration, acting on the verdict of the Supreme Court that allows the legal recognition of sexual and gender minority couples and the orders from the Department of National ID and Civil Registration.

Sampurna got support from his parents. His father Amrit and mother Laxmi helped the couple through the legal process. Amrit personally requested the ward chair to facilitate the registration.

Ward chair Homnath Paudel in turn instructed ward secretary Rabindra Paudel to assist. Amar Bahadur Shah, a paid lawyer, drafted the necessary application while secretary Rabindra collected the necessary documents.

Mother Laxmi took the couple to Nawalpur district court to get a court marriage certificate with the help of lawyer Sah.

Sampurna and Heema connected through TikTok two years ago. “We got to know each other through TikTok, I proposed to Pyara (Sampurna),” said Hima to Pahichan, “I am happy our marriage has been legally recognised.”

Sampurna, who was assigned female at birth but identifies male. “I consider Pyara as my husband, I am satisfied,” Heema said, “We plan to live together forever.” The couple has also expressed plans to adopt children.

Mayako Pahichan Nepal (MKPN), a non-governmental organisation advocating for the SGM rights, facilitated the legal processes for the couple. “They reached out to us for help, and we guided them through the necessary steps,” said MKPN’s Secretary Surendra Pandey, who congratulated the newly-wed couple.

Sampurna and Hima expressed their gratitude to MKPN for guiding them through the procedures. “We didn’t know anything about the registration process. MKPN’s support has helped us a lot,” they said.
Legal breakthrough for same-sex marriage in Nepal