In response to whether the draft menstrual hygiene policy will also take the LGBTQIA+ community into consideration, Union Minister Smriti Irani asked, "Which gay man, without a uterus, has a menstrual cycle?"
Union Minister Smriti Irani said a question on menstrual hygiene for the LGBTQIA+ community was "meant to provoke". (File photo from X/@BJP4India)
Union Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Irani responded to a question on whether the draft menstrual hygiene policy will also cover the LGBTQIA+ community and asked, "Which gay man, without a uterus, has a menstrual cycle?"
Her response was to a question raised by RJD MP Manoj Kumar Jha on December 13 in Rajya Sabha during the debate on the policy.
Jha had asked Smriti Irani whether the policy contains provisions to "promote and provide for menstrual hygiene among LGBTQIA+ community".
LGBTQIA stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transsexuals and Transgenders, Queer, Intersex and Asexual. The '+' in the acronym ensures that all identities are included in the community.
In an interview with news agency ANI, Smriti Irani said Manoj Kumar Jha's question was intended "either to shock or to provoke or to attract attention".
"He (Manoj Jha) wants me to provide and answer about how can I provide for their (LGBTQIA community) menstrual hygiene. For gay men. Is it applicable?" asked Smriti Irani.
During the Parliament discussion on December 13, the Union Minister had voiced her opposition to the idea of mandatory paid menstrual leave for women employees.
“As a menstruating woman, menstruation and the menstruation cycle is not a handicap, it’s a natural part of women’s life journey,” Smriti Irani had said.
The Ministry of Health and Family Welfare has formulated a draft menstrual hygiene policy in consultation with stakeholders, the Union Minister announced in Rajya Sabha.
Published By:
chingkheinganbi mayengbam
Published On:
Dec 22, 2023