Two Married Indian Women Who Were Lovers Self-Immolate
Two women, married to men, set themselves ablaze as their families looked on in horror. They clung to each other when the families tried to separate them.
The incident took place in Sathangadu, near Thiruvotriyur, a city on the Bay of Bengal in southeastern Indian across from Ceylon.
Christy Jayanthi Malar, 38, met Rukmani, 40, at school. The women continued to see each other, to the consternation of both families. According to The Times of India, Rukmani had gone to Malar’s house, where her relatives abused both women. Then, on Saturday morning, May 17, they set themselves ablaze.
"We have reached a stage where one has to accept relationships which are not termed normal," said Sudha Ramalingam after the incident. "Everyone has the right, especially two consenting adults, to choose their way of life."
India still outlaws homosexual relationships, a law dating from the British raj.
"Same sex relationships are coming to the fore these days," said All India Democratic Women’s Association leader Vasuki. ."suicides are not a solution to any problem. and we do not have a coping mechanism in place."
