In an unprecedented move, a woman in Mumbai has placed a matrimonial advertisement in a newspaper looking for a groom for her son, raising eyebrows and sparking a heated debate on social media.
The advertisement published in a city tabloid on Tuesday said, "Seeking 25-40, Well-placed, Animal-Loving, Vegetarian GROOM for my SON (36, 5'11") who works with an NGO..."
The man in question is activist Harish Iyer.
The ad created a heated debate in social media with gay and lesbian activists supporting the move of Padma Iyer while others slammed the same-sex marriage concept saying homosexuality is illegal in India.
When asked about the sensation it created, 36-year-old Harish said, "I am not bothered about the consequences, such as whether it is legal or illegal in our country. But I believe in my right to choose the partner of my choice."
Harish, who himself is an LGBT activist, said, "I may not call my future partner as my husband... I may not have legal sanctity to my relationship, but I will certainly be living a peaceful life as a good and caring friend with my partner."
He praised his mother saying, "I'm proud of her. It was her idea. My mum was like: 'You don't have a boyfriend, you're not so young.' She was concerned about her ageing son like any Indian mum would be, irrespective of whether he is homosexual or heterosexual."
Homosexuality was in effect re-criminalised in India in 2013 in a decision by the Supreme Court that stunned campaigners and led to international criticism.
Sachin Kalbag, executive editor of the Mumbai daily Mid-Day which published the ad, said there had never been any question of not publishing it.
"Normally if there is a problem with an ad, then the department will come to me. It raised no eyebrows at all. We are pro-equal rights and have been running vociferous campaigns against discrimination on the grounds of sexual orientation," he said.
