——S. A. Hemanth—–
New Delhi, March 15: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) found itself on the same page with the BJP when it endorsed the Union government’s stand in the Supreme Court on Same-Sex issue.
“RSS agrees and endorses the BJP government’s stand filed in the form of an affidavit in the Supreme Court opposing the same-sex marriage,” RSS Sarkaryavaha (Secretary General) Dattatreya Hosabale said.
Hoabale’s contention is that marriages can only take place between persons from opposite genders. “In Hindu culture, marriage is a sanskar and is not meant only for enjoyment. Marriage is for the benefit of the family and society at large,” Hosabale explained.
It may be recalled that the Centre, in response to the Supreme Court’s petition on same-sex marriage, had filed a 56-page affidavit as its response where it has opposed to the proposal. “The same-sex marriage erodes and is a threat to the societal values that has stood the test of time since time immomerial,” the Centre’s affidavit stated.
Dattatreya Hosabale elaborated, “Marriage between man and women is natural and normal. The institution of marriage is a concept evolved since time immemorial tested by time and trusted by generations. It has withstood the challenges and emerged victorious. People who seek same-sex marriage is an aberration. Individual desires and views need not be imposed on the society and endorsement should be sought from the judiciary.”
The Centre’s affidavit affirmed that it was through the institution of marriage that the society continues to remain as a continuing entity, grows and develops.
“Same-sex marriage could, at best, remain as a matter of pleasure between two individuals but will not lead to birth of children which is essential and central to the growth and development of the society. Arguing for same-sex marriage is an aberration and getin legal sanction for the same is meaningless,” the affidavit stated.
The Centre’s affidavit also asserted that the Supreme Court, in 2017, had only “de-criminalised” lesbian and gay sex which does not mean that there could be same-sex marriage. “Both (same-sex marriage and gay sex) are two totally different aspects. The apex court ruled that under Section 377 of the CrPC, gay sex is no more a criminal act. That’s all. It does not endorse same-sex marriage,” the affidavit stated.
EOM
