KENDRAPADA: Sprint queenDutee Chand(27) has voiced disappointment at the Supreme Court’s refusal to grantsame-sex marriageslegal recognition.In 2019, Dutee came out as lesbian, the first Indian athlete to disclose asame-sex relationship. “I plan to marry my partner Monalisa. But the decision of the apex 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 said.Dutee’s family, opposed to her relationship, welcomed the SC verdict.But some others called for Parliament to intercede. Amarbar Biswal, a rights activist in Odisha’s Kendrapada, pushed for the law to be amended.”The Hindu Marriage Act, 1955, andSpecial Marriage Act, 1954, recognise heterosexual marriages. But a girl can live with another girl as the Supreme Court scrappedSection 377in 2018 and police cannot take any legal action against them. It is high time that Parliament amended the laws and allowed lesbian, transgender and gay marriages,” said Biswal. 
Same-sex marriage: Verdict upset my wedding plans, says Dutee Chand India News
