All glories to
Srila Prabhupada!

'Gay Monogamy': Why I Posted It

By Umapati Swami

Posted Dec. 20, 2004

I have received some surprised responses to Hrdayananda Maharaja's article "Gay Monogamy." People are asking why dipika.org would print an article condoning homosexual behavior.

But the article does not condone homosexual behavior or suggest that we initiate anyone who is breaking the regulative principles. Nor does the article sanction any kind of marriage ceremony for same-sex unions.

In fact, the article recognizes that homosexual behavior is against the regulative principles of ISKCON but suggests that we be more encouraging to people who have this problem and are trying to control it. And that's all.

I have lived in temples where there were admitted homosexuals in the congregation. These people never asked for initiation, and they rendered whatever services can be rendered by people who are unable to follow the regulative principles.

Thanks and appreciation from dipika.org to our sponsor and host,

A same-sex union, be it monogamous, is not acceptable in a brahminical society, but it is better than promiscuity. I agree with the author's contention that we should give these people the same chance to make some advancement in this lifetime that we give to those who break other regulative principles and that we should encourage them to control their senses to whatever degree they can.

I will gladly print responses to Maharaja's article, but I request the people who have written in so far to consider these points and adjust their responses accordingly. Otherwise, they will be arguing with things that have not been said.

—Umapati Swami