Why Same-Sex Marriage Is a Human Right – And Why We Need to Talk About It, Especially Now

Recently, I came across what Sri Lankan Cardinal Malcolm Ranjith said about same-sex couples. And honestly, it broke my heart. Not just because of what was said but because of what it represents: a continued refusal to see LGBTQ+ people as people, deserving of love, dignity, and equality. So today, I want to write this not as a rant, not as a fight but as a calm, clear reminder that same-sex marriage isn’t just about who you love. It’s about human rights.

Let’s be honest. We live in a country where the topic of same-sex love is often brushed off as "Western influence" or "against religion." But love is not foreign. Love is not unnatural. Love is not a threat. People loving other people, regardless of gender, has existed in every culture, every country, and every era. We’re just pretending it hasn’t.

Same-sex marriage is not about politics. It’s about giving people the same rights that heterosexual couples already have: the right to marry who they love, to share health benefits, to adopt children, to make medical decisions for their partner, to grow old together without being treated like strangers under the law.

It’s about humanity.

We can’t keep saying “all humans are equal” and then add a silent footnote that says “except LGBTQ+ people.” That’s not equality. That’s discrimination dressed up in tradition.

Some argue, “But our religion says…” and I want to say this gently: when it comes to human rights, religion should never be the judge. Because not everyone follows the same faith. And faith is personal. Human rights are universal. If we start deciding human rights based on one religion’s interpretation, we start treating people not as citizens but as believers. And that’s dangerous.

Sri Lanka is made up of many religions, many beliefs, and many voices. But that doesn’t mean we should silence those who fall outside the lines drawn by tradition. It means we should embrace diversity, not fear it.

To anyone who says same-sex marriage is a threat to society...

I ask, how? Does two women getting married stop you from loving your spouse? Does two men adopting a child mean your child is less safe? Love doesn’t destroy families. Hate does. Ignorance does. Silence does.

I know change feels scary. But change also brings freedom. To be yourself. To live without shame. To love without fear.

And to the LGBTQ+ people in Sri Lanka those hiding, hurting, or hoping I want to say: You are not wrong. You are not broken. You are not alone. You deserve love. You deserve rights. You deserve a country that respects you enough to let you marry the one you love.

Let’s keep talking. Let’s keep educating. Let’s not let outdated opinions define the future of real people.

Final Thought: Same-sex marriage is not about special treatment. It’s about equal treatment. And until we legalize it in Sri Lanka, we are denying a basic human right. It’s time we changed that. Because love is love and that should always be enough.

– HARU 🌈