Mumbai (Gurpreet Singh) — Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh Chief Mohan Bhagwat suggested that society and policymakers consider establishing a distinct legal and social framework to accommodate same-sex companions, while maintaining that the traditional institution of marriage should remain undisturbed. Speaking during an interactive session at the 15th anniversary event of the India International Model United Nations in Mumbai, Bhagwat addressed queries regarding the RSS’s stance on LGBTQ+ rights, stating that individuals of diverse sexual orientations are an integral part of society and deserve legal recognition and social acceptance.
Clarifying his position, Bhagwat differentiated between providing legal arrangements for cohabitation and redefining traditional marriage. He emphasized that in Indian tradition, marriage serves as a foundational social institution structured around family formation and raising future generations. Cautioning against altering existing marital norms without adequate societal preparation, he argued that introducing radical changes to the traditional framework could spark social conflict.
However, Bhagwat emphasized that social stability should not preclude lawmakers from creating alternative legal provisions specifically tailored for same-sex partners. Suggesting that a dedicated framework could gradually foster broader social acceptance, he called for constructive dialogue to formulate mechanisms that protect cohabiting companions without disrupting long-established family structures.
