Mohan Bhagwat, the chief of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), said LGBTQIA+ individuals are an integral part of society [1].
This stance represents a nuanced position from the leadership of India's influential right-wing volunteer organization, balancing the recognition of LGBTQIA+ identities with a commitment to preserving traditional social structures.
Bhagwat said that while LGBTQIA+ people belong in society, the traditional institution of marriage, known as ‘Vivah,’ should not be altered at this time [1, 2]. He said that tampering with the marriage system could lead to unintended side-effects [4].
Instead of extending marriage laws to same-sex couples, Bhagwat proposed the creation of a separate legal framework [1, 2]. This framework would allow same-sex companions to live together legally without redefining the traditional concept of marriage [2].
He said that society must be properly prepared before any law regarding same-sex marriage is enacted [2, 3]. According to Bhagwat, laws should not be used to dictate society, but rather should follow societal readiness [3].
The RSS chief said that the goal is to protect the existing marriage system while still providing a legal path for companions [4]. This approach seeks to integrate LGBTQIA+ individuals into the social fabric without disrupting the historical definitions of the family unit [1, 4].
“LGBTQIA+ individuals are an integral part of society”
Bhagwat's comments suggest a strategic middle ground for the RSS, acknowledging the existence and rights of LGBTQIA+ people to avoid total alienation, while firmly blocking the legal path to marriage equality. By proposing a 'companionship' framework rather than marriage, the RSS seeks to provide basic legal protections without granting the social or religious legitimacy associated with 'Vivah,' thereby maintaining the traditionalist ideological core of the organization.
