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Nepal will become the first Asian country to guarantee equal rights and anti-discrimination protections to homosexual, trans and intersex citizens when its new constitution comes into force in May.

Sunil Babu Pant, a Communist legislator and Asia’s only openly-gay Member of Parliament, told the Hidustan Times, “Rights for LGBTIs have been well drafted in the new constitution. They will ensure non-discrimination and separate citizenship IDs for third-gendered people”. The move follows Pakistan’s official recognition of third gender citizens in December last year. .

Next month Nepal’s homosexual community, led by Pant, will host a tourism conference to explore how the pending legalisation of gay marriage may help to attract wealthy gay visitors. The country, which became known for the bloody civil war that raged throughout the 1990s, is seeking to mend its reputation as well as boost the economy. Travel agencies intend to offer luxury honeymoon and wedding packages including elephant bridal processions and Everest base-camp ceremonies.

In an interview with The Daily Telegraph, Pant revealed the government’s intention to double the number of tourists entering the country with its aim of attracting one million visitors next year. He explained, “Most Asian countries don’t welcome gay visitors, so we can have the maximum benefit for the Nepal economy which is fragile after years of war.”

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