Nepali Congress Chief Whip Shyam Kumar Ghimire has apologised in the House of Representatives on Wednesday for his recent remarks advocating for the legalisation of prostitution to promote tourism.

Speaking at the beginning of today’s meeting, Ghimire clarified that his statement was a personal opinion and not the official stance of the Congress or its parliamentary party.

“The views I expressed on March 16 were my personal opinions as a lawmaker. They do not represent the official position of the Congress or its parliamentary party,” Ghimire said. “If these views have negatively impacted fellow lawmakers or the public, I sincerely apologise.”

Earlier, Ghimire had argued in Parliament that legalising prostitution could generate employment and boost the country’s economy. He had claimed that religious tourists do not contribute much to the economy, whereas sex tourism would be more beneficial.

His remarks were widely criticised within the House of Representatives and in the Congress meeting.