Acceptance Without Marriage? Decoding RSS's LGBTQ Stand And The Political Divide On Same-Sex Union
News explainers Acceptance Without Marriage? Decoding RSS's LGBTQ Stand And The Political Divide On Same-Sex Union Acceptance Without Marriage? Decoding RSS's LGBTQ Stand And The
News explainers Acceptance Without Marriage? Decoding RSS's LGBTQ Stand And The Political Divide On Same-Sex Union Acceptance Without Marriage? Decoding RSS's LGBTQ Stand And The Political Divide On Same-Sex Union Published By, Last Updated: August 07, 2026, 16:16 IST RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat said Sangh’s position was that LGBTQ people are “part of the society to which we belong” and that Indian tradition has “a tradition of accommodating them.” Rapid Read RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has said that LGBTQ people “deserve dignity and acceptance” and should not be ostracised or looked down upon. (File Photo) The RSS has publicly acknowledged LGBTQ people as an integral part of Indian society, marking a significant shift in the tone of the conversation around sexual and gender minorities. RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat has said that LGBTQ people “deserve dignity and acceptance" and should not be ostracised or looked down upon. Speaking at an event on Thursday, Bhagwat said the Sangh’s position was that LGBTQ people are “part of the society to which we belong" and that Indian tradition has “a tradition of accommodating them." His remarks recognise the community’s existence, dignity and place within society, even as the RSS remains opposed to altering the traditional institution of marriage. He argued that marriage in the Indian tradition is not merely an arrangement for two people to live together. It is an institution linked to the family and the upbringing of future generations, he said. “Don’t say same-sex marriage. We have to devise some system by which same-sex companions can live together. A law can be made for that, and society can accept it," Bhagwat said. His position, therefore, is not a call for equal marriage rights. It is a proposal for a separate legal framework that could recognise same-sex companionship without altering the existing legal and social meaning of marriage. Bhagwat also said: “Laws do not dictate society, society dictates the laws," suggesting that social acceptance should precede legal change.
What RSS’s Views On LGBTQ Mean For BJP RSS’s views carry political significance because of its ideological relationship with the BJP. Bhagwat’s comments represent a more accommodating formulation than an outright rejection of LGBTQ people, but the organisation continues to oppose the legalisation of same-sex marriage in its present form. The BJP-led Union government has maintained this position before the Supreme Court during the marriage-equality hearings. The BJP’s position has broadly been to support the dignity and welfare of LGBTQ people while opposing the extension of marriage, adoption and family-law rights to same-sex couples. Where Congress Stands The Congress has been more open to legal recognition of same-sex relationships, although its position has generally been framed around civil unions, rather than an explicit demand for marriage equality. The party’s 2024 Lok Sabha manifesto promised: “After wide consultation, Congress will bring a law to recognise civil unions between couples belonging to the LGBTQIA+ community." The manifesto also referred to inclusion and protection against discrimination, but stopped short of promising to amend marriage laws to give same-sex couples exactly the same status as heterosexual couples. Congress MP Shashi Tharoor had backed marriage equality in his personal capacity during the Supreme Court hearings. In 2023, he was reported as supporting the legalisation of same-sex marriage, while also noting that Congress had not taken a formal party position at that stage. TMC And The Left The Trinamool Congress has produced one of the clearest public endorsements of marriage equality among major Indian parties. Speaking on April 20, 2023, TMC national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee had said, “Everyone has the right to choose their respective life partner," and argued that love has no religion or boundaries. He had also criticised the Centre’s opposition to same-sex marriage during the Supreme Court proceedings. The CPI and CPI(M) have also historically supported stronger legal recognition for same-sex couples. During the 2023 hearings, CPI(M) leader Brinda Karat had said the party was in favour of legalising same-sex marriage.
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