Gay Pride Parade Cancelled Amid Religious Group Threats​ in Northern Indian State of Punjab

Gay Pride Parade Cancelled Amid Religious Group Threats​ in Northern Indian State of Punjab

The Gay Pride Parade cancelled amid religious group threats in the northern Indian state of Punjab has sparked global attention and concern. Scheduled to take place in Amritsar, this LGBTQ+ event was called off after certain Sikh religious groups opposed it, citing cultural and religious objections. The cancellation has raised questions about the intersection of LGBTQ+ rights, freedom of expression, and religious sensitivities.

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Why Was the Gay Pride Parade Cancelled?

The Gay Pride Parade cancelled amid religious group threats has put a spotlight on ongoing tensions in Amritsar, Punjab. Originally scheduled for April 27, 2025, the event was led by LGBTQIA+ activists Ridham Chadha and Ramit Seth. Organizers stated that their priority is the safety of the community, after threats from Sikh religious leaders, including the acting head of the Akal Takht – the highest temporal authority in Sikhism.

In a public statement, the Akal Takht labeled the Pride march as “unnatural,” claiming it goes against Sikh values. As a result, organizers were forced to cancel the event, citing real safety concerns and a hostile environment.

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Sikhism and LGBTQ+ Rights: A Complicated History

This incident is not isolated. The Akal Takht has previously issued an edict in 2005 explicitly opposing same-sex relationships. The religious body claimed such relationships were “anti-religious” and not to be endorsed by practicing Sikhs.

Despite this, many modern Sikhs—especially from the diaspora—have pushed back on this rigid interpretation, stating that the essence of Sikhism is love, equality, and community. They argue that excluding LGBTQ+ individuals contradicts the inclusive teachings of the Guru Granth Sahib.

Impact on the LGBTQ+ Community in Punjab

The Gay Pride Parade cancelled amid religious group threats leaves LGBTQ+ individuals in Punjab feeling isolated and unsafe. Events like Pride are not only celebrations, but also platforms for visibility, safety, and solidarity. Canceling them under threat reinforces the idea that LGBTQ+ people do not belong or are unsafe in their own communities.

Activists in India have described the situation as “disheartening” and a “step back” for LGBTQ+ rights in a country that only recently decriminalized homosexuality in 2018.

Growing Support and Hope Within Sikh and Indian Communities

While opposition exists, there is growing support for LGBTQ+ inclusion within Sikh and broader Indian communities. Many allies are using their platforms to advocate for queer rights, challenge outdated norms, and create safer spaces. Online forums and social media are buzzing with support and stories of love, acceptance, and resistance against hate.

The Gay Pride Parade cancelled amid religious group threats has sparked national conversation, showing that while intolerance exists, so does hope for change.

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Frequently Asked Questions – Gay Pride Parade Cancelled Amid Religious Group Threats​ in northern Indian state of Punjab

1. Why was the Gay Pride Parade cancelled in Amritsar?

The parade was cancelled due to threats and pressure from Sikh religious authorities who claimed the event violated religious norms. Safety concerns for participants led to the decision.

2. What is the Akal Takht’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights?

The Akal Takht has historically opposed LGBTQ+ relationships, issuing a 2005 edict calling same-sex relations “anti-religious.”

3. Is there support for LGBTQ+ rights within Sikhism?

Yes. While official religious bodies may oppose same-sex relationships, many individual Sikhs advocate for inclusion, equality, and reinterpretation of religious teachings in a modern context.

4. Will the Pride Parade be rescheduled?

As of now, organizers have not announced a new date. They are prioritizing safety but are committed to the LGBTQIA+ community’s visibility and well-being in Punjab.

5. How can people support LGBTQ+ individuals in Punjab?

• Amplify queer voices and stories from India.
• Support organizations advocating for LGBTQ+ rights in South Asia.
• Engage in respectful discussions to challenge anti-LGBTQ+ narratives.
• Donate to or volunteer with LGBTQ+ safe spaces and support groups in India.

What’s Next for LGBTQ+ Rights in India?

The Gay Pride Parade cancelled amid religious group threats serves as a reminder that the fight for LGBTQ+ equality is far from over. While legal wins such as the decriminalization of homosexuality in India mark progress, cultural acceptance is still an ongoing journey. This incident shines a light on the urgent need for intersectional conversations between faith and queer identity—so that love, freedom, and safety are not conditional.

Related Keywords: LGBTQ rights in India, Punjab Pride Parade, Akal Takht LGBTQ stance, Sikhism and LGBTQ, Pride Parade threats, India queer rights, queer safety India, LGBTQIA+ visibility Punjab

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