Kathmandu: Minister for Labour, Employment and Social Security Sharat Singh Bhandari has clarified that the Labour Act does not discriminate against gender and sexual minorities. In his address to a programme organized by Mitini Nepal for the International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia 2025, he emphasized the government’s commitment to making timely amendments to labour laws to address existing challenges.
According to National News Agency Nepal, Minister Bhandari highlighted the discrimination faced by gender and sexual minority communities based on identity in workplaces. He stressed the need for full implementation of existing laws, societal acceptance, and necessary legal and policy reforms to uphold Supreme Court decisions. “Nature has not discriminated against anyone. Society will recognize their unique identities if the family accepts them. A campaign to discuss their rights in an organized manner has begun, which strengthens their collective voice,” he remarked.
Chair of the House of Representatives’ Women and Social Affairs Committee, Kiran Kumar Saha, committed to playing a crucial role in establishing the rights of these communities. “It is the State’s responsibility to address this community’s education, health, employment, and social security needs. The committee will focus on this and initiate actions to eliminate legal barriers,” Saha affirmed.
National Human Rights Commission Chair Tapa Bahadur Magar noted the commission’s positive role in introducing laws to recognize the marital rights of gender and sexual minorities. Mitini Nepal Chair Laxmi Ghalan stressed the significance of living a dignified life without judgment based on gender and sexuality, advocating for the right to express identity without discrimination or fear.
During the event, a book titled ‘Strength of the Community’ was launched, featuring 11 inspirational stories about couples from the gender and sexual minority community. The book showcases their courage, struggles, perseverance, and inspiration. The International Day Against Homophobia, Biphobia, and Transphobia is celebrated globally on May 17, commemorating the World Health Organization’s removal of homosexuality from the list of mental disorders in 1990.
The event gathered approximately 300 activists, advocates, and stakeholders from all seven provinces.