In an unprecedented move, a woman here 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.
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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 told PTI, "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.
