India's Supreme Court Takes Crucial Step Toward Marriage Equality

India's Supreme Court is hearing arguments in a case to legalize same-sex marriage.
A ruling in favor of the petitioners would make India an outlier for gay rights in Asia.
India's conservative Hindu-nationalist government is opposed to legalizing same-sex unions.
Supporters of marriage equality hope that a ruling in their favor would lead to other rights, including insurance coverage for spouses, joint bank accounts, and the chance to adopt.
Despite decades of activism, same-sex couples in India still face hurdles regarding adoption, inheritance, and alimony.