Padma Shri to Rodricks may legitimise homosexuality: BJP

A day after the name of Goa-based fashion designer Wendell Rodricks was announced for Padma Shri Award, the local Bharatiya Janata Party unit claimed that the award may legitimise homosexuality, though it also congratulated him.

"I am not aware whether he is gay or not, but if it is so, then it would be a proud movement for his colleagues. His colleagues will be happy now that he has received recognition. This may legitimise the homosexual movement," BJP Goa unit spokesman Wilfred Mesquita told during a press conference in Panaji.

However, he was quick enough to add that, "Rodricks may have been honoured for his skills, art and contribution for society. It is proud moment for Goa".

The Goa-based fashion designer was in the news after he publicly married his male partner.