Filmmaker accuses Congress of ’betrayal’ over Rajasthan’s same-sex marriage stance, Shashi Tharoor responds

Congress MP Shashi Tharoor on Wednesday responded to filmmaker Onir, who is openly gay, after the latter accused the Congress of betraying the LGBTQIA community. Onir accused Congress of betrayal after its government in Rajasthan opposed the same-sex marriage petitions.

In a tweet, Onir said that staying silent is one thing but opposing same-sex marriages is very disappointing. Onir said, "Betrayal by @INCIndia. Silence is one thing but to oppose is v v disappointing. @RahulGandhi @ShashiTharoor."

Responding to the tweet, Shashi Tharoor said the party has not yet announced an official position but as individuals, "many support you." The Congress MP also said that the states have the right to take their own decisions.

Shashi Tharoor said, “Personally many of us as individuals support you @iamOnir. State governments take their own positions. As far as I am aware an official party stand on the issue has not yet been announced.”

Onir's remark at the Congress government in Rajasthan came after the Central government informed the Supreme Court that Assam, Andhra Pradesh and Rajasthan have opposed the legal recognition of same-sex marriages in the country.

The Supreme Court Constitution bench on Thursday reserved judgment on various petitions pertaining to marriage equality rights for the LGBTQIA community. Constitution bench has begun the hearing on the matter on April 18 and the hearing went on for nearly 10 days.

The five-judge Constitution bench comprising of the Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud, Justices Sanjay Kishan Kaul, S Ravindra Bhat, Hima Kohli and PS Narasimha is dealing with a batch of petitions pertaining to marriage equality rights for LGBTQIA community.