BJP’s Sushil Modi, who spoke against same sex marriages in Parliament, told NDTV that while same sex relationships are acceptable, allowing such marriages will give rise to problems on multiple levels, including “divorce and adoption”. Speaking in Rajya Sabha earlier today, the MP had objected to it on a social and cultural context.

In an exclusive interview to NDTV, he reiterated that point too.

“Any law should also be attuned with traditions and cultures of the country,” he said. “We should assess what is Indian society and whether the people are ready to accept it”.

“Same-sex relationships have been decriminalised… But shadi (marriage)is a pavitra sanstha (sacred institution). Same-sex couples living together is one thing, but giving them legal status is a different thing,” he added.

The matter came up in parliament after four gay couples asked the Supreme Court to find a way to give recognition to same-sex marriages — a matter where parliament is unlikely to offer any recourse.

While gay activism dates back to the ’90s, no government had struck down a colonial-era ban on gay sex. The Supreme Court scrapped the law in 2018 and decriminalised homosexuality. The BJP-led government has in the past refused to legalise same sex marriages.

Activists say that while 2018 ruling affirmed the constitutional rights of the LGBTQ people, they do not have legal backing for same-sex marriages, a basic right of heterosexual couples.

Mr Modi insisted that there are a “lot of issues” with same-sex marriage. “Don’t make India like a western country. Don’t make India like America,” Mr Modi said.

Asked about the protests regarding the matter, Mr Modi said, “I can’t debate with left and liberal people. This is my personal opinion”.