We belong: Hindu activists meet “’s international treaty obligations en- at the Organization of American compassing civil and political rights enjoin society States, in a search for equality the government not to discriminate on the grounds of sexual orientation.” A second opportunity to pass the law used mostly religious arguments; therefore, came in May, 2003, when the constitution the numbers of the country’s faithful play was undergoing other reforms. The amend- a decisive role. Guyana’s population is 57% ment bill reached the Parliament, but there Christian (17% Pentecostal, 8% Roman Cath- was no vote; the National Assembly deferred olic, 7% Anglican, 25% other denominations), the discussion to a constitutional committee, 28% Hindu and 9% Sunni Muslim. effectively placing it in a legal limbo. Most Protestants opposed the constitu- tional change, while the Catholic Church National Pride officially supported it. Muslim groups were In truth, more was at play than just the mostly either silent or against the pro- rights of a class of people. National pride posal. Hindus remained largely neutral or became a complicating issue when some undecided. people started saying that acceptance of ho- Several religious organizations, mostly of mosexuality was a Western imposition on Abrahamic faiths, took a dual stance. While Guyana. Just last year, in 2010, this idea was admitting that people have diverse sexual summarized by Cabinet spokesperson and orientations, they expressed concern that head of the Presidential Secretariat Dr. Roger the anti-discrimination amendment would Luncheon: the “government is unlikely to eventually lead to the legalization of same- tamper with legislating homosexual activity sex marriage, a prospect they abhor. Sup- and cross-dressing. For these issues to be ad- porters of the amendment tried to assuage dressed, the government must be convinced those fears, pointing out that the proposed that it would be the desire of the people of law preserves the constitutional definition Guyana and not an agenda being foisted on of marriage and family laws. The amend- society by the developed world.” ment did include a provision to recognize Also in 2010, Guyana participated in the a common-law relationship, a step below United Nations’ Periodic Review of Human marriage, for both heterosexual and homo- Rights, which resulted in recommendations sexual couples. that the government repeal all laws which Hindu institutions were almost absent criminalize consensual same-sex activity. from the 2001 debate, except for a joint Former UN Secretary General Kofi Annan, statement issued by a few organizations—the speaking in November, 2010, said that Guy- Guyana Sanatan Dharma Maha Sabha, Guy- ana’s “discriminatory laws and prevailing ana Maha Kali Organisation, Gandhi Youth homophobic practices prevent gay men from Bhavan and the Guyana Sevashram Sangh— accessing the health services” and called for stating that “sexual intercourse, an image the repeal of those laws. But as of January, of God’s own power of creation, should be 2011, those colonial-era discriminatory laws practiced only within the context of mar- remain still in full force.

nigel maithlin riage between members of the opposite sex.” It said nothing about legal discrimination. Hindu Perspectives itself repealed such legislation in 1967, but Individual Hindus made more pertinent Guyana is a religiously plural and tolerant most former colonies retained these Victo- statements. Mr. Vidyanand Persaud, the country. Freedom of worship is a constitu- Guyana’s Hindus Face Gay Quandry rian laws. It was only in 2009, for instance, representative for Hindu organizations on tional right, and each of the main groups has that ’s Supreme Court ruled that its the Constitution Reform Commission, sup- its national holiday: Christmas, Diwali and When a constitutional amendment proposed to end discrimination­ against anti-gay laws were unconstitutional. ported the motion, reminding others that the last day of Ramadan. Guyana’s proposed 2001 constitutional homosexuals, Guyanese Hindus asked themselves, “Where do we stand?” amendment would not have repealed Guy- ana’s laws that make homosexual activity a Caribbean Sea felony. But it would have, for example, pro- By Vidyaratha Kissoon The beautiful republic of Guyana, nestled this process. Revisions and amendments to tected an employee from being fired simply Georgetown, Guyana on the lush northeastern coast of South the constitution are relatively common. because he or she is homosexual. Despite f modern science is right—and some- America, is a young nation solidifying its In January, 2001, the Congress of Guyana its modest goal, the anti-discrimination times it is—there are more than 50 mil- identity. After being ruled by the Dutch, the voted to pass a constitutional amendment amendment has been languishing for a Venezuela lion homosexual and bisexual people in Spanish and finally the British, the country that would forbid discrimination based on decade. Guyana India,I 15 million in the US and 30,000 achieved independence in 1966, becom- sexual orientation. However, this amend- in Guyana. The role, aspirations and rights ing the only South American state in the ment never became law; the president, Opposition and Another Chance of this large segment of society (and, in the Commonwealth. Bharrat Jagdeo (a Hindu), succumbed to in- The debate is complicated by the country’s minds of some, their wrongs) is a hot topic Guyana’s ethnic heritage is varied—mostly tense pressure and did not sign it. This left many cultures and religions and their varied throughout this tropical nation. Guyanese Indian and African, but also Native Ameri- in place legislation which is a legacy of the views on morality and justice. Who was ada- Hindus, nearly one third of the population, can, European and Chinese. It is a nation of British colonial period—legislation which mantly opposed to ending discrimination in are pondering: is there a unifying Hindu many peoples and traditions finding their criminalizes consensual same-sex activ- Guyana? Large groups are not homogeneous, Brazil

view on homosexuality? way toward harmony, and its laws reflect ity and cross-dressing. The United Kingdom of course. But those against the amendment google maps

60 hinduism today april/may/june, 2011 april/may/june, 2011 hinduism today 61 Hindu organizations are strong Pandits, priests and sevaks: possibilities. Therefore, the stridency with Hindu presence: The and numerous, some of them dat- (clockwise from top right) which the Inter-Religious Organisation has distinctively Indian ar- ing back to the early 20th century: Amar Ramessar, president of expressed its anti-homosexual sentiments chitecture of Guyanese Arya Samaj, Guyana Sevashram the Yuvaa Shakti Sangh; Pandit cannot be shared by Hindus.” (Read his Op- temples is a common sight Sangh (a branch of the Bharat Deodat Tillack, priest at the Ed on page 64.) Sevashram Sangh), Sathya Sai Shri Samayapuran Mariamma Baba association, Guyana Hindu Temple; Pandit Rajin Bal- Impacting Personal Lives a woman?” Dharmic Sabha, Guyana Maha gobind of the Hindu Society The lives of tens of thousands are deeply af- The criminalization of their Kali Organisation, Guyana Pandits’ of Berbice; Keeran Persaud, fected by these discussions. For Guyanese actions is a heavy burden on Council, Guyana Sanatan Dharma president of the Cummings who are gay or lesbian, the reactions of so- homosexuals in Guyana. Many Maha Sabha and the Gandhi Lodge Industry Hindu Society ciety define their self-image and influence of them have otherwise con- Youth Bhavan. Beautiful mandirs their comfort with who they are. The old, servative ideas about family adorn cities and villages, serving colonial-era laws impose an onerous choice: and relationships, aspiring to as centers for worship and seva, kissoon vidyaratha kissoon vidyaratha normal sex is not right. Since ho- in order to be a law-abiding citizen in Guy- monogamous long-term com- selfless service. Hindu festivals mosexual sexual intercourse does ana, a homosexual must observe lifelong cel- mitments and living together. are widely celebrated. not bring forth children it should ibacy. The alternative is to willfully violate Pushed to the shadows, most But community debate has un- not be permitted.” Pandit Dhane- the laws of the land and risk being arrested seek their happiness in secret, covered a simple truth: there is no sar was not able to provide a ref- and charged with a felony. hoping to avoid legal conse- unified policy in Hinduism about erence explaining where in the Religion, ethnicity and social traditions quences through leniency, ano- homosexuality. In general, the Vedas one could find that dictum; strongly shape the identity of each Guyanese. nymity or luck. kissoon vidyaratha matter is ruled by common sense, he explained that a pandit’s train- Religious people who are homosexual wish wisdom and tradition. But tradi- ing is largely oral, often bypassing to retain their religious ties. But even if a ho- Outcome Hindu Mandir, in a letter published in the tion can be a fluid concept, widely written sources. mosexual person feels comfortable with his There is no consensus yet in the Hindu com- Stabroek News in May, 2008, reminded Hin- dependent on regional practices The Inter-Religious Organisa- or her faith, the acceptance of society still munity, but the strongest voices supporting dus that the exhortation of Lord Rama in the and collective memory; it shifts tion, an interfaith body that rep- plays a large role. One of the gay men inter- the anti-discrimination law have come from Shri Ramcharitmanas Uttarkand Doha 87 from generation to generation. resents some of Guyana’s religious viewed recognizes that the Hindu religion Hindus. Swamis, pandits and local leaders included the napumsak as part of His cre-

One example is the strong influ- balgobind pandit courtesy tillack pandit courtesy organizations, spoke against the advocates tolerance, but he dares not test it are finding common ground—not in sup- ation. “Napumsak,” she explained, “means ence of prudish British thought anti-discrimination law. It of- in practice. “Many negative stereotypes of porting homosexuality, but in denouncing one who does not have the characteristics on Hindu morals in the last few centuries gobind feels that non-heterosexuals, who ficially supported the view that acceptance gay and lesbian people lead to prejudices,” he society’s oppression of that minority. of either man or woman—a man trapped (see sidebar below). often question why they were born that way, of homosexuality is a Western imposition on said. Another gay Hindu man, who also de- Keeran Persaud is a community leader, in a woman’s body or a woman trapped in “Indian culture has always had multiple ex- should recognize that their sexual orienta- Guyana. But Swami Aksharananda, one of clined to be identified, says, “I have suffered president of the Cummings Lodge Indus- a man’s body.” Scriptures can be interpreted pressions of gender identity and sexual ori- tion is part of who they are. “Hindu scrip- its co-chairpersons, vehemently disagreed. a lot of pain in trying to live an ethical life, try Hindu Society and a sevak of the Hindu on many levels, and the debate will continue. entation,” says Pandit Deodat Tillack, priest tures do not discriminate against people; Swami—a founder of the Hindu Swayam- while not being able to sustain any personal Swayamsevak Sangh. Active in helping the Swami Aksharananda calls for the use of at the Shri Samayapuran Mariamma Temple. we are to be respected as our own decision sevak Sangh in Guyana, the principal of the relationships. I feel out of place in Hindu set- gay and lesbian communities, he advocates reason, believing the answer for a peaceful “The major festivals around Lord Aravan makers. Everyone, including homosexual Saraswati Vidya Niketan and a Ph.D. in Hin- tings, where I am always under the threat of acceptance: “Hinduism calls on its follow- and humane solution will lie with Hindu so- and the worship of Bahucharia Mata, called people, should lead disciplined lives that ful- du Studies from the University of Madison, being rejected; but I also feel out of place in ers to be compassionate, by educating them- ciety more than in religious exegesis. Biolo- Murgi Mata in Guyana, reflect these views,” fill dharma, contribute to the well being of Wisconsin—wrote an energetic rebuke: “We gay settings which do not share my spiritual selves to overcome prejudices.” Amar Ra- gist Ian Kissoon agrees, drawing on science he claims. The festivals to Lord Aravan, are their society and do no harm to anyone.” In have to be concerned about what is glibly values.” messar, a member of the Bharata Sevashram to point out many examples of diversity in a favorite of the third-sex hijra in India, who Balgobind’s opinion, sexual orientation falls and uncritically invoked to be the position of According to Pandit Tillack, “Many gay Sangha and president of the Yuvaa Shakti sexual orientation in nature, urging us to talk attend en masse; Lord Krishna is believed to into the category of kama (pleasure), one of scriptures on homosexuality. There is hardly and lesbian Hindus enter into heterosexual Sangh at the Radha Krishna Mandir, agrees: openly and inquisitively, have assumed the form of Mohini to marry the four goals of life, called purusharthas. any consensus here. While it is true that marriages to please society, sowing distress “I would urge any person to live a dignified Whether or not Guyana acts soon to pro- Aravan as a reward for his dedication. Ba- Other equally qualified religious leaders some religious books consider homosexuali- and future sorrow.” This is confirmed by one life, which leads to a peaceful coexistence tect the rights of its 30,000 homosexuals, hucharia Mata is a patron Goddess of the hold differing views. In an article in the local ty as an abomination, Hinduism, for example, of the gay men interviewed, who expressed with the society. Prejudices are born out of Hindus have a wonderful opportunity to hijra community. newspaper Stabroek News, Pandit Dhane- offers a much more nuanced and sophisti- his strong desire to have a family: “My di- ignorance and fear; our work can help in the examine different points of view, exert toler- Pandit Tillack’s views are echoed by many sar of the Guyana Central Arya Samaj stated cated perspective on the matter. Hinduism lemma is wanting children and a family, but education necessary to overcome them.” ance, and gain strength by forging a union in in Guyana. His colleague Pandit Rajin Bal- that “according to the Vedas, any form of ab- admits a wide range of sexual orientation how could I fulfill my marriage duties with Pandit Nanda Sahadeo of the Triumph diversity. ∏π

A Scripture, a Scholar, Science and a Sage: he American Psychiatric Association stated in 1973 that exual intercourse is a natural reproductive function. It also Thomosexuality is not a disorder and “implies no impairment S serves through its intimacy to express and nurture love. It is love in judgment, stability, reliability or general social or vocational which endows intercourse with its higher qualities, transforming capabilities.” After thoroughly reviewing the scientific data, the it from an animal function to a human fulfillment. Intensely per- Reviewingn the fifth day after a woman’sHomosexuality period, copulation leads to ntersexuals,in Hinduism in whom male and female aspects are combined, are American Psychological Association adopted the same stance sonal matters of sex are not legislated, but left to the judgment of Othe birth of a child through the union of the woman’s lunar Iconsidered holy in India because they invoke the primordial an- in 1975, and urged all mental health professionals “to take the lead those involved, subject to community laws and customs. Hinduism (left) subtle breath and the man’s solar (right) subtle breath. If the drogyneity. They have special functions within society other than in removing the stigma of mental illness that has long been as- neither condones nor condemns birth control, sterilization, mas- element earth predominates, a daughter will result; if water domi- the transmission of the genetic code by procreation. Even today, sociated with homosexual orientations.” The Supreme Court of the turbation, homosexuality, petting, polygamy or pornography. It nates, a son will be born; if, however, fire prevails, the pregnancy the presence of a hijra, the last vestige of the androgynous shaman, State of California used these opinions in a key case, adding that does not exclude or draw harsh conclusions against any part of hu- will end in miscarriage; and if akasha (ether) is dominant, the child is a good omen in a marriage ceremony. The influence of Anglo- “Mental health professionals and researchers have long recognized man nature, though scripture prohibits adultery and forbids abor- will be a homosexual. Saxon puritanism has meant that the anglicized groups in modern that being homosexual poses no inherent obstacle to leading a tion except to save a mother’s life. Advice in such matters should Shiva Svarodaya, a Hindu scripture on India pretend they do not know of the sacred aspect of the Third happy, healthy and productive life, and that the vast majority of gay be sought from parents, elders and spiritual leaders. The only rigid ida, pingala and the pranas of the body Nature and homosexual practices. and lesbian people function well in the full array of social institu- rule is wisdom, guided by tradition and virtue.” Alain Daniélou, French Indologist tions and interpersonal relationships.” Satguru Sivaya Subramuniyaswami

62 hinduism today april/may/june, 2011 april/may/june, 2011 hinduism today 63 POINT-COUNTERPOINT: HOMOSEXUALITY IN HINDUISM

So, who or what poses the greatest dan- gers to society? Is it homosexuality, or is it religious intolerance? The clear and unam- Beware of Alien Morals biguous truth is that the greatest danger lies among those aggressive, intolerant religious Fears of damnation and extinction derive not creeds of the world that see unbelievers and those whom they believe violate the “natural law” as agents of the devil and en- from Hinduism, but from irrational zealotry kelly thomas emies of God. We must guard against the self-appoint- Pandit Shailendra Shri Sheshnarayan Ji Vaidyaka, by Swami Aksharananda ed arbiters of morality, the moral policemen, Digambar Sadhu of the Simhastha Samiti: Whatever is done in who claim to derive their authority and in- hiding becomes a wrong act and is treated as a sin. But whatever is hen guyana’s inter-religious organisation is- spiration from ancient and divine writs that, So Say Our Sadhus done openly invites criticism for some time but ultimately may gain sued a statement denouncing homosexuality, the implicitly and explicitly, leave no room for acceptance. People who are bent upon doing something would do central argument was that unseen parties want to toleration of religious differences—or other Opinions are far from unanimous it anyway. Why not give them the liberty to live in their own way? influence and corrupt young impressionable minds diversities such as sexual orientation. Our scriptures have no reference to homosexuality; therefore, we to promote homosexuality. The statement instructed us that This brings us to the claim that having have nothing to say. the scriptures of all religions condemn homosexuality, as a liberal and enlightened attitude towards or millenia, the kumbha melas have been the summit Nirvanpeethadheeshwar Shri 108 Devananda, Mahaman- against W the “natural law,” violating the natural plan of cre- homosexuality means that we are giving in gathering of Hindu leaders. A sampling of opinions from the daleshwar of the Mahanirvani Akhara: Gay marriages definitely ation, that will lead to the damnation of our nation and to our to Western influence and values. It is al- Mela sadhus carries great authority. Here is what they had to would pollute our society. Such perverted activities used to be extinction. ways intriguing when we hear uninformed say in 2004, in Ujjain, about homosexuality and gay marriage. carried out by a few. To give legitimacy and social acceptance to it The most extraordinary claim, however, is that homo- people speak of homosexuality as a form of In India, questions about homosexuality are often met with anwers would be a big injustice to our social life. This is an activity which sexuality is a product of Western culture, a new form of colonialism. Aren’t they aware of the appar- about gay marriage, as if one was the inexorable consequence of the people do not do openly, therefore it is a social crime. It should stay colonialism. ent contradictions? Of all the institutions other.F This was a hushed subject at the time, before the Supreme secret. Scriptures may or may not give a guideline, but if we see this This statement reflects a host of irrational fears that can- we have inherited from the colonial past, Court of India decriminalized gay sex in 2009 and hurled the topic in the context of society, we find it to be absolutely wrong. It por- not be empirically supported by social reality anywhere in there is none more thoroughly colonial and onto the public stage. trays a very dark side of our society. the world. People are not converted to homosexuality in the Western, heart and soul, than Christian- Acharya Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshananda, manner of religious proselytizers who, through unconsciona- ity—a religion whose scriptures are often Swami Pragyananda Maharaj, Mahamandaleshwar of the Juna Peethadheeshwar: Homosexuality is unnatural, uncommon and ble and despicable methods, unapologetically and deliberately target invoked when vilifying homosexuals. Awahan Akhara: Gay marriages do not fit in our culture and heri- unusual. It is not marriage, because it is just connected to the body, it young and impressionable minds and prey on people’s vulnerability. The fact of the matter is that homosexuality is as old as humanity tage. All those who demand the approval of such marriages in India is only fun. This is sheer madness that comes from the West where Of all societies in the world where homosexuality is accepted as itself. It has been practiced for untold centuries, in one form or an- are doing so under the influence of the West. Incorrect Western they use the Bible. Our scriptures, which are superior, are against it. an alternative lifestyle, none has suffered the kind of the degrada- other, even in those societies where, today, death can be the penalty practices have no place in our culture; we should not blindly follow. Shri 1008 Kapalik Mahakaal Bhairavananda Sarasvati, tion that our religious leaders fear may take place here in Guyana. for homosexuals. Sanatana Dharma has no place for this and we do not even discuss it. from New Delhi: Certainly this is going to give people bad diseases The Netherlands, for example, and particularly the Dutch city We must also be concerned about what is glibly and uncritically Shri Mahant Madhusudan Giri, Awahan Akhara: This issue which will be a great problem to gay-friendly USA in the times to of Amsterdam, is perhaps one of the most liberal places in the invoked to be the position of scriptures on homosexuality. There is is connected not just to Hinduism, but to the whole human civiliza- come. US Government should also take action against such people world. The city even boasts a monument devoted to the memory hardly any consensus here. While it is true that some religious tion. Today, people are changing their religions and nationalities; immediately. India does not have such issues. The day a demand for of homosexuals who have been persecuted throughout the ages. books consider homosexuality an abomination, Hinduism, for they are even changing their sex. We have to allow people to live gay unions is raised in India will be a black day for the country. There can be few places in the world that breathe such an air of example, offers a much more nuanced and sophisticated per- their lives in their own way. If they choose to live in a particular way, Mahamandaleshwar Swami Banwari Puri, Juna Akhara: freedom, sophistication and culture, music, art and literature, spective on the matter. While Hinduism does not approve of out of the consent of two grown-up people, how can we stop them? Our tradition does not approve of gay marriages. But our scriptures much of it contributed by homosexuals themselves, homosexuality, it admits of a wide range of sexual orientation Religion has no role in this. do not outline a clear direction. The Bhagwat has a story, which I as Amsterdam. possibilities; therefore, the vehemence and stridency of loud Mahant Baba Ram Puri, Juna Akhara: These questions are have read nowhere else, in which King Bhagirath was born out of From Finland to Italy and across the Atlantic to anti-homosexual sentiments cannot be shared by Hindus. contemporary in nature and context. To somehow project that to the physical union of both his mothers. Same-sex marriage is against United States and Canada, liberal, compassionate Rationality is all I am advocating. Religious people Vedas, Rama Kathas or the Mahabharata and look for answers there the laws of God. Now, whether such marriages can keep such cou- and enlightened attitudes towards diversity and often decide which things are right and wrong based is not appropriate. The rule books back then described a society with ples happy and peaceful should be answered only by gays—not by alternative lifestyles are an integral part of peace- on what they believe and imagine to be true, which in different goals, ideas, costumes, diets and everything else. We do not us, who have no idea what it is all about. ful, progressive, humane societies. In these nations, turn is based on what is stated in their religious texts. have a final rule book in Hinduism. Even the family continues to prosper. There are no signs of How does one know whether a religious scripture is the Manu Smriti says that local traditions “extinction” and “damnation.” right? The answer is that it is the inviolable, unalterable can overrule its guidelines. There has nev- a correspondent’s adventure by Rajiv Malik Such fears derive not from homosexuality, but from irrational- word of God. And, how does one know that it is the word er been a single authority to represent all ity and fanatic religious zealots of every stripe and star, from of God? The only answer is because God says so. Quite an Hindus and guide them on morality. Ours t was 2004, and i had been assigned contentious subjects amongst the crowds. those religious persuasions which claim to be the sole reposi- eternal conundrum! is a pluralistic society, and the community to ask the Mela’s constellation of saints: Some sadhus briskly asked me to switch off tory of the truth to which all else must be converted, and from When held beyond the scrutiny of reason, no religious has to exercise its wisdom. “How does Hinduism view homosexu- the tape recorder. They inquired the reasons followers of such religions who do not have the patience to scripture, no matter how sacred we hold it to be, can ever be Maharishi Sarkhandi Mahatyagi, ality? What about gay marriage?” In behind my inquiry; did I have any agenda? wait for unbelievers and homosexuals to be punished in the a safe ground on which to decide important issues that may from Gujarat: This is just adharmic. If retrospect, I realize that Hinduism Today But the revered spiritual leaders slowly afterlife, as their teachings go, but who with awesome zeal seek have implications in matters of life and death. these relations were to be accepted, then was ahead of its time. This became a hotly opened up, at times hesitantly, and eventu- to do so here and now. why was creation created? When Brahma I debated topic in India a few years later. ally spoke with candor. Once they became Swami Aksharananda, Ph.D. in Hindu Studies at the directed Manu to create the world, Manu Raising the subjects of homosexual- convinced that our idea was to inform and Ardhanarishvara: Hindu folk traditions believe mem- University of Wisconsin–Madison (USA), is principal of the clearly said that the creation could not be ity and gay marriage was not easy. Hindu educate Hindus, they gave their consent to bers of the third sex are auspicious because, akin to Saraswati Vidya Niketan. He is also a founder of Guyana’s made without women. Hindu dharma holy men hardly enjoyed discussing these go ahead and ask these difficult questions. the Gods or a soul, they are not bound by gender Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh chapter. cannot sanction man-to-man marriages.

64 hinduism today april/may/june, 2011 april/may/june, 2011 hinduism today 65 bronzecreative.com