Sunday, April 12, 2009

Bhakti Vikasa Requests Clarification Between Gay Union and Gay Marriage

Bhakti Vikasa

Bhakti Vikasa Maharaj

hridayananda_dasa_goswami

Hridayananda Maharaj

Submitted by krishna-kirti on Sat, 04/11/2009 - 16:32.

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New Text 48304 (59 lines)
From: Bhakti Vikasa Swami
Date: 11-Apr-09 10:48 -0400
To: Tridandi Sannyasa
Subject: "gay marriage" and "gay union" -- what is the difference?
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Answer 48300 (47 lines)
From: Bhakti Vikasa Swami
Date: 11-Apr-09 10:45 -0400
To: Hridayananda Dasa Goswami
Reference: Text PAMHO:17289512 by Hridayananda Dasa Goswami
Subject: "gay marriage" and "gay union" -- what is the difference?
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Sri Sri Guru Gaurangau Jayatah

Dear Hridayananda Maharaja,

Dandavat.

Four years ago, you publically announced that it was in ISKCON's best interests to offer "serious, formal and public recognition and appreciation" for "gay monogamy."1 Earlier this year, it became public that you had "blessed" a "gay union."2

The "gay union" you "blessed" had all the trappings of a religious marriage: a ceremony conducted by a religious minister at a religious venue (in this case, a preaching center overseen by yourself) in which two persons (in your words) "commit themselves to each other." Relatives and friends were invited. The blessings of God were invoked on the couple. The event was reported in a magazine (in this case, Chakra) that covers the affairs of the concerned religious institution.

Of course, the outstanding difference between this and a traditional religious marriage was that the "union" was between two males: Joshua Norman Einhorn and Stanley Earl Harris.

In an email of 5 April 2009, sent to multiple receivers and conferences, you wrote:

"I have repeatedly clarified that I am not in favor of gay marriage."

Maharaja, it is not clear to me, so kindly clarify once more: what is the significant difference between "gay union" of the type that you so strongly endorse and defend, and "gay marriage," which you disfavor? What is the crucial factor that makes them so markedly different as to evoke your wholly different attitude toward them?

dasa, Bhakti Vikasa Swami

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Footnotes:

1. "Vaisnava Moral Theology and Homosexuality" Hridayananda Goswami - http://www.harekrsna.com/sun/editorials/dandavats/homosexuality.pdf
You have written: "I have repeatedly clarified that I am not in favor of gay marriage."

2. "Hridayananda Das Goswami Blesses Gay Male Couple"
http://chakra.org/announcements/persFeb01_09.html

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(Text 48304) -----------------------------------------------

Bhakkti Vikasa Petitions GBC

Submitted by krishna-kirti on Sat, 04/11/2009 - 16:27.
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Comment 48301 (6 lines)
From: Bhakti Vikasa Swami
Date: 11-Apr-09 10:06 -0400
To: Hridayananda Dasa Goswami
To: Tridandi Sannyasa
Reference: Text PAMHO:17289512 by Hridayananda Dasa Goswami
Subject: From the GBC resolutions
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For the benefit and clarification of the worldwide body of devotees, I request the GBC (via the GBC members on this conference) to make a clear statement of whether or not "gay unions," "gay monogamy," or "gay marriage" may under any circumstance be allowed within ISKCON or by ISKCON members (and if so under which circumstances), and whether or not it is acceptable that an ISKCON leader bless or publicly approve such unions.



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