Indian government condemns same-sex marriage as "elitist"

The Indian government has branded same-sex marriage calls as "elitist" as a historic Supreme Court hearing on its possible legalisation begins.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi and other members of the Hindu nationalist government submitted an affidavit to the Supreme Court establishing their view on same-sex marriage.

The court is hearing arguments on a series of petitions brought forward by LGBTQI+ couples and activists seeking to introduce marriage equality in the country.

In the affidavit, the government stated that marriage is only valid between biological males and females, and legalizing same-sex marriage "seriously affects the interests of every citizen".

The government argued that the definition of marriage is ingrained into the social, cultural, and legal fabric of the country and should not be disturbed or diluted by judicial interpretation.

This hearing marks a crucial moment in the fight for LGBTQI+ rights in India.