Sooner than later India has to pass the Marriage equality law: Benhur Samson

Mr Benhur Samson, the NRI entrepreneur who has set up India’s first marriage bureau exclusively for homosexual couples interacted with Suyash Karangutkar. Below are the transcripts of the interview:

1) What is the idea behind starting this marriage bureau exclusively for homosexual couples?

In June of last year when President Obama passed the “Marriage equality law” I had a eureka moment and that’s when it dawned on me that if heterosexuals can come to India from all over the US and the UK and marry an Indian then why can’t the same sex avail the same opportunity. (www.arrangedgaymarriage.com)

Mr. Benhur Samson; Image Courtesy: The News Minute

2) How is this idea going to be executed in the India, given the fact that gay marriage and gay sex continue to remain illegal?

We do not perform the marriages we only help individuals match with they are looking for in their potential partner, after the match we are out of the picture, unless it’s an International match, then we can also process their K1 visas.

3) What are the major barriers, at the moment?

Thank God, absolutely none; as we are not crossing any lines, we are operating with the law.

4) Apart from marriage and surrogacy, what are the other aspects the bureau will focus on and what facilities will it provide?

We are exclusive to only these two services.

5) Tell us about your company Surrogacy Abroad INC.

Surrogacy Abroad Inc., Chicago is committed to helping gay single parents have their baby via surrogacy. We operate in Cambodia, Vietnam, US. We also help within India couples that need help.

6) Your views on the on-going debate on the LGBTQ rights in India?

We know for sure sooner than later India has to pass the Marriage equality law, just by the sheer number of LGBT population and growing within India it will be a very unjust society if it is not passed.

Thank you for interacting with us, sir.

• About the Author

About Suyash Karangutkar

Suyash Karangutkar is a young, dedicated and an enthusiastic journalist who has a deep interest in National and International Affairs. He is an ardent political spectator who finds politics fascinating. At Spectralhues, he heads the Mumbai team and covers National Affairs & Politics. He also occasionally writes columns for Spectralhues. He can be followed on Twitter @columnistsuyash