Is Tinkywinky, in fact, queer? Enquiring Polish pols want to know.

A member of Poland's conservative government was reported to have called for a formal investigation into the sexuality and gender identity of Tinky Winky and the other Teletubbies:

Ewa Sowinska, government-appointed children rights watchdog, told a local magazine published on Monday she was concerned the popular BBC children's show promoted homosexuality. She said she would ask psychologists to advise if this was the case.

In comments reminiscent of criticism by the late U.S. evangelist Jerry Falwell, she was quoted as saying: "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."

Link to Washington post article.

A subsequent item in Reuters quotes Ms. Sowinska as denying from those earlier comments -- or perhaps, articulating a Teletubbie "don't ask, don't tell" policy. Link. (thanks, Scott)

Previously on BoingBoing:

Teletubbies in cocaine bust

Teletubbies Shooting Gallery

Fight off Teletubbies with a chainsaw

Pat Robertson coloring book