RSS supports Centre’s stand on same-sex marriage

Marriage can only take place between persons from opposite genders, says Dattatreya Hosabale

Backing the Union Government’s stand on same-sex marriage, Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) general secretary Dattatreya Hosabale on March 14 said marriage can only take place between persons from opposite genders.

“In Hindu culture and thought, marriage is a s anskar and is not meant only for enjoyment. Marriage is for the benefit of the family and society at large. It is not for physical and sexual enjoyment,” Mr. Hosbale said, adding that the RSS agreed with the government’s view on same-sex marriage.

The government, in a 56-page affidavit in the Supreme Court, said the institution of marriage has a sanctity attached to it and in major parts of the country, it is regarded as a sacrament, a holy union, and a sanskar.

“In our country, despite statutory recognition of the relationship of marriage between a biological man and a biological woman, marriage necessarily depends upon age-old customs, rituals, practices, cultural ethos and societal values,” the government said.

It added that any “deviation” from this “statutorily, religiously and socially” accepted norm in “human relationship” can only happen through the legislature and not the Supreme Court.

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The affidavit came in response to the court’s decision to examine petitions to allow solemnisation of same-sex marriage under the Special Marriage Act, which provides a civil form of marriage for couples who cannot marry under their personal law.