Gay teletubby probe by Polish government

By Amy Bourke • May 29, 2007 - 11:05

Picture copyright BBC publicity

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The Polish government is currently investigating the Teletubbies over claims of homosexuality.

The popular children's television show, and especially the character of Tinky Winky, has been accused of promoting gay propaganda by the conservative government.

Teletubbies featured four brightly coloured alien characters which are loved by young children.

According to Reuters, Ewa Sowinska, government-appointed children rights watchdog, said she would ask psychologists to advise if the Teletubbies' camp antics could affect children.

She said: "I noticed [Tinky Winky] has a lady's purse, but I didn't realize he's a boy.

"At first I thought the purse would be a burden for this Teletubby. . . Later I learned that this may have a homosexual undertone."

However, the Polish Parliamentary Speaker Ludwig Dorn said he had warned Sowinska against making any comments which would "turn her department into a laughing stock."

The Polish government has drawn criticism in recent years from the European Union for discrimination against gay people.

The Education Minister, Roman Giertych, has proposed laws similar to Section 28, which would involve sacking teachers who promote "homosexual lifestyle" and banning "homo-agitation" in schools.

The late controversial US preacher Jerry Falwell made similar comments to Sowinska in 1999, prompting a worldwide debate over the sexuality of Tinky Winky.

He claimed that Tinky Winky must be gay because he is purple and has a triangle on his head; both of which are symbols of gay pride.

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