A book claiming Gandhi (pictured above) has been banned in some Indian states Nepal's gay MP says Gandhi's legacy is what matters, rather than his sexuality. There has been a cloud of controversy over a new biography of the Indian leader Great Soul, which claims he was bisexual and left his wife for a male bodybuilder. Some Indian states have banned the book, which was written by former New York Times executive editor Joseph Lelyveld. IANS reports that Nepalese MP and gay rights leader Sunil Babu Pant, who was a feature speaker at the AsiaPacific Outgames Human Rights Conference in Wellington in March, says he agrees with a statement made by Gandhi's grandson. Tushar Gandhi said: “How does it matter if the Mahatma was straight, gay or bisexual? Every time he would still be the man who led India to freedom.” Pant says: “No matter who Gandhi was, straight or gay, he remains a great source of inspirations to countless people in the world, throughout history. His principle of non-violent struggle and non-violent practices in life inspires me every day.” He says India should not ban the book. “I hope India will continue to remain the symbol of democracy and uphold the freedom of expression and press."
Credit: GayNZ.com Daily News staff
First published: Sunday, 10th April 2011 - 3:49pm