India: Pride Event Cancelled Over Religious Threats

Organisers have cancelled a Pride parade and celebration in the Indian city of Amritsar following threats to participants’ safety from religious groups.

The event, originally scheduled for 27 April in Punjab’s second-largest city, was called off by Ridham Chadha and Ramit Seth, representing a student organisation that has hosted the annual Pride since 2019.

Event Aimed to Uplift LGBTQ+ Community

In a social media statement, the organisers said the event aimed to “connect and uplift the LGBTQIA community, mainly focusing on the transgender people in the city and their rights.”

They added: “We have supported many people in the past with guidance, counselling, and job opportunities,” noting that the initiative had historically received a positive response.

Safety Concerns Lead to Cancellation

This year, however, growing vocal opposition led to the decision to cancel the event. “The safety of our members is our first priority and we will take measures to safeguard it,” they stated. “We did not intend to harm the sentiments of any religious or political group.”

Expressing their disappointment, the organisers said: “We’re sad. We feel more oppressed than we have before. But we will rise back. You know, at least we tried our best.”

Sikh Religious Groups Oppose Pride

Much of the opposition came from Sikh religious leaders, who objected to the event taking place in Amritsar, home to the Golden Temple—Sikhism’s most sacred site.

Paramjit Singh Akali, a leader of the Nihang Sikh community, condemned the planned parade as a “defilement” in a video shared on social media, citing religious values and traditions.

He demanded that authorities revoke the organisers’ permission to host the Pride event and warned that, if they failed to act, members of his group would “stop it in their own way.”

India’s LGBTQ+ Rights Progress

India, now the most populous country in the world, has experienced rapid and significant changes in LGBTQ+ rights in recent years. In 2018, the Supreme Court decriminalised consensual same-sex relations, a landmark victory for the community.

However, in 2023, the Supreme Court declined to legalise same-sex marriage, stating it lacked the authority to do so. It did affirm the right of same-sex couples to form unions, but emphasised that it is up to Parliament to enact legislation to make this a legal reality.