Labour Act not discriminatory to gender and sexual minorities: Minister Bhandarti

Kathmandu, May 17 : Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Sharat Singh Bhandari has clarified that the Labour Act has not discriminated the gender and sexual minorities.     

In his address to a programme organized here today by the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia, 2025 by Mitini Nepal, he said timely amendments are being made to the labour laws to address some challenges.     

Minister Bhandari said, "The gender and sexual minority communities have to face discrimination based on identity while going for work. We need to find ways to fully implement existing laws, establish social acceptance, and necessary legal and policy reforms should be made upholding the Supreme Court's decisions".     

The minister further said, "Nature has not discriminated anyone. The society will recognize their unique identities if the family accepts. Currently, there has been a campaign to start talking about their rights in an organized manner. When organized, there is collective strength, and it makes the voice more powerful," Minister Bhandari said.     

Chair of the House of Representatives (HoR)'s Women and Social Affairs Committee Kiran Kumar Saha pledged to play a pivotal role in establishing the rights of gender and sexual minority communities.     

"It is the State's responsibility to take care this community's education, health, employment, and social security schemes. The committee will pay attention to this effect and also take initiatives to remove legal hurdles".     

National Human Rights Commission chair Tapa Bahadur Magar, stated that the commission has played a positive role in introducing laws to recognize the marital rights of this community. Mitini Nepal chair Laxmi Ghalan, mentioned that this day aims to address the challenges and inequalities facing by the gender and sexual minority community.     

Emphasizing that every individual has the right to live a dignified life, she stressed that no one should be judged based on their gender and sexuality and that the right to openly express their identity without discrimination and fear should be upheld.     

During the event, a book titled 'Strength of the Community' containing 11 inspirational stories about couples from the gender and sexual minority community was also launched.     

The book portrays the courage, struggles, perseverance, and inspiration of these couples. The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia is celebrated globally every year on May 17.     

On 17 May 1990, the World Health Organization removed homosexuality from the list of mental disorders and declared it a natural process, and the day is celebrated in remembrance of the decision.     

The event had brought together around 300 activists, advocates, and stakeholders from all seven provinces.(RSS)