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
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