RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has struck a conciliatory tone toward the LGBTQ community and transgender people, just days before the government is due to respond to Supreme Court petitions to legalize same-sex marriage.
In an interview the mouthpiece of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Bhagwat stated that LGBTQ people have the right to their own private and social space and that Hindu society does not view them or transgender people as a problem.
Mohan Bhagwat’s statement in support of #LGBTQrights can go a long way in making conversations on this topic in Indian households a little easier.
Have had the privilege of interacting with some amazing people from LGBTQIA community over the last year or so. Hopeful for all! 🤞 pic.twitter.com/bMncFRV9Xg— Dr. Devashish Palkar (@psychidiaries) January 12, 2023
“People with such tendencies have always existed; for as long as humans have existed… This is a biological process, a way of life. We want them to have their own private space and to feel like they are a part of society as well. This is a very simple problem. We will have to promote this point of view because all other options will be futile,” he said, implying that the Hindu organisation, which has previously opposed homosexuality and same-sex marriage, is softening its stance on the issue.
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Bhagwat stated, “Without much hullabaloo, we have found a way with a humane approach to provide them social acceptance,” citing Hindu scriptures and mythology.
In 208, the Supreme Court overturned the colonial-era Section 377 law, decriminalising homosexuality.
Despite this, homosexuality has not found a place in the mainstream and is still considered a taboo subject by many. However, the community has found greater acceptance in the conservative country than in the past.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s government has previously refused to legalise same-sex marriage. However, Bhagwat’s comments on the subject may force the government to reconsider.
