Fridae

A lesbian couple in India has married in a Hindu ceremony held at their home in the small township of Ambikapur in the central state of Chattisgarh, reports the BBC.

Although the women had a Hindu priest officiate their wedding, they still need the approval of the local registrar to make the marriage legal. However, the registry office has refused to grant approval because same-sex marriages are not recognised under Indian law.

Both women, Jaya Verma and Tanuja Chauhan have said that they will fight on until legislation is changed to allow gay couples the same rights in marriage as heterosexual couples.

Many local residents have expressed their disapproval of their union; even the couple's landlord has asked them to leave their home.

Same-sex relationships are generally more 'accepted' in the country's larger cities where people can be more open about their sexuality.

Gay rights activists have supported the couple and believe that Indian law must change to recognize same-sex marriages. The Naz Foundation in Delhi, which runs a helpline for gay women, says every couple has the right to have their relationship solemnised, regardless of sexual orientation.