Consider This from NPR India's 'Love Jihad' Laws Make Marriage Difficult For Interfaith Couples
Sep 14, 2021
Lauren Frayer, NPR's India correspondent, dives into the complexities of interfaith love in India, where cultural norms favor arranged marriages within the same religion. She shares the emotional struggles of couples facing societal and legal obstacles, particularly the controversial 'love jihad' laws. Frayer highlights the tension between personal relationships and conservative expectations, showcasing how technology connects young lovers while they navigate the harsh realities imposed by rising nationalism and family pressures.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Interfaith Couple's Marriage Challenges
- Mohamed Shamim and Simran Sagar, a Muslim and Hindu couple, faced difficulty marrying in India due to "love jihad" laws.
- These laws aim to prevent forced religious conversions, creating obstacles for interfaith couples.
Impact of "Love Jihad" Laws
- "Love jihad" laws, enacted in several Indian states, prohibit religious conversion for marriage.
- These laws, based on accusations of forced conversions of Hindu women to Islam, create fear and intolerance.
Safe House and Marriage Paperwork
- After fleeing their hometown, Shamim and Simran lived in a Delhi safe house while navigating marriage paperwork.
- Interfaith marriage is legally allowed in India but involves hurdles like residency and waiting periods for objections.