Survey: Public Opinion on Affiliate of India’s Right-Wing RSS Party Calling Homosexuality a ‘Disorder’

In the Spotlight: India’s Push for Same-Sex Marriage

Amid countless battles, protests, and a long-standing struggle for equal rights, when finally the Indian Supreme Court prepares to deliberate on the legalization of same-sex marriage, the Rashtra Sevika Samiti, a women’s wing of the right-wing group Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), released its survey findings, asserting that homosexuality is a disorder and could worsen if same-sex marriages are legalized.

Survey Sparks Storm

Conducted by Samwardhini Nyas, an affiliate of Rashtra Sevika Samiti, the survey gathered opinions in just two and a half days, from 318 medical professionals representing a diverse range of disciplines, including modern science and Ayurveda, from various parts of the country. Approximately 70% of respondents regarded homosexuality as a disorder, with 83% expressing concerns about the transmission of sexual diseases within same-sex relationships. Moreover, RSS stated that,

From the survey, it is observed that the decision to legalize such marriages may promote more disorder in the society rather than curing patients and bringing them to normalcy.

The Ripple of Contention

The survey’s release has sparked outrage among activists and the LGBTQ community itself. Critics argue that the findings are misleading and dangerous, accusing the organization of spreading disinformation. LGBTQ rights advocates question the survey’s methodology and potential biases while stating that,

Such a study is dangerous and misleading for a society that is unaware. It goes against basic dignity and amounts to defamation. Who are these doctors who have responded to the survey? Their licenses should be canceled.

Dissecting Prejudice

Although this is not the first time national-level organizations have come out against non-heterosexual marriages, several religious bodies have also vehemently opposed the recognition of same-sex marriage, with some considering it “harmful for human existence.”

On the other hand, recently, India’s Cabinet Secretary expressed a willingness to form a committee to address the practical concerns of same-sex couples in areas like banking and insurance.

However, the committee’s focus is not on legal recognition of same-sex marriage. The Indian Supreme Court views this as a positive step towards social acceptance, but petitioners continue to emphasize their demand for legal recognition of marriage.

Charting New Paths

Meanwhile, the Indian Psychiatric Society (IPS), an umbrella body for psychiatrists across the country, claimed in a report that homosexuality is not a mental illness and that there is no scientific evidence that sexual orientation can be altered by any treatment. Also, in 1974, the American Psychiatric Association, the largest psychiatric organization in the world, issued a resolution stating that homosexuality is not a mental illness or sickness.

In conclusion, the RSS survey recommended that public opinion be taken into consideration before taking any decision on the demand for legalizing same-sex marriage.

Tangled Perspectives

As the Supreme Court prepares to make its decision, the voices of various stakeholders— activists, LGBTQ communities, religious bodies, and medical professionals— may shape the narrative.

However, the clash of perspectives surrounding same-sex marriage in India continues to intensify, which prompted Real Research to launch a survey to gauge public opinion on the same. Hence, hurry and answer the survey seeking public opinion on affiliate of India’s Right-Wing RSS Party calling homosexuality a ‘disorder’ on the Real Research app from May 11, 2023, and win 60 TNCs as a reward.