RSS Chief Mohan Bhagwat stated that the LGBTQ+ community is an integral part of Indian society and deserves dignity. These remarks follow his previous comments on the historical presence of such individuals in Indian tradition, though the organization maintains a conservative stance on legal marriage.
Detailed Coverage
Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) Chief Mohan Bhagwat addressed the status of the LGBTQ+ community at an event in Hyderabad on Sunday. Bhagwat emphasized that these individuals are a part of Indian society and deserve the same dignity and right to live as any other citizen. He highlighted that historical Indian traditions and scriptures have long acknowledged diverse identities, suggesting that society should adopt a humane perspective rather than one of exclusion.
Historical References and Past Comments
This is not the first time the RSS leadership has commented on the inclusion of the LGBTQ+ community. In January 2023, Bhagwat spoke about the need for private and social spaces for these individuals, citing mythological figures from the Mahabharata as examples of gender diversity within ancient Indian contexts. These statements represent a shift toward broader social acceptance compared to traditional conservative views previously held by the organization.
Stance on Legal Recognition
While the remarks focus on social dignity and acceptance, the RSS maintains a distinct separation between social inclusion and institutional legal changes. The organization previously supported the Supreme Court’s 2023 decision which declined to grant legal recognition to same-sex marriage. At that time, RSS spokespersons indicated that such significant social issues should be deliberated within the parliamentary framework rather than through judicial intervention.
Similarly, when the Supreme Court decriminalized consensual same-sex relations in 2018, the RSS accepted the legal reality while maintaining that such relationships did not align with their internal definition of traditional social norms. Investors and observers often track such societal stances as they can influence the broader political discourse and the eventual legislative priorities concerning civil laws in India.