There is a space for everyone, provided it is based on dharma — compassion, reciprocity and social responsibility. Hindu culture forbids divorce. Yet Hindu personal laws permit divorce. Hindu culture allows gods, and men, to have many wives. Yet Hindu personal laws forbid polygamy. Does it mean Hindu personal laws are opposing Hindu culture? Or, does it mean they are being true dharmashastras, updating responsible social behaviour, i.e. dharma to suit the times (kala), the place (sthan) and the people (patra)? There are separate marriage laws for diverse communities in India, such as Hindu and Muslim . Why can’t there be a separate same-sex union law for queer people? Dharma-shastras are guided by Vedas, and shaped by tradition and wisdom. They have changed constantly from Apasthamba to Vasishtha, Gautama to Manu to Yagnvalkya, responding to contemporary economic, political and social challenges. This dynamism differentiates dharma-shastras from the biblical idea of God’s … [Read more...] about Can gay marriage be part of Hindu culture?