New Delhi, Aug. 6 -- A BJP MP's complaint that Gaya International Airport's three-letter code "GAY" is "socially and culturally offensive" has sparked backlash from LGBTQ activists who say his remarks reinforce prejudice against the community. Rajya Sabha member Bhim Singh from Bihar submitted a written query to Parliament questioning why the International Air Transport Association (IATA) code for the Bihar airport remains in use when people find it "uncomfortable". He asked whether the government would consider changing it to "a more respectful and culturally appropriate code" and sought a timeline for any such process. The ministry of civil aviation acknowledged receiving similar requests in the past. Minister of state for civil aviation Murlidhar Mohol explained that the three-letter codes are assigned by IATA-a trade association representing 300 airlines-to uniquely identify airports worldwide, typically using the first three letters of the location's name. "Air India had earlier approached IATA seeking change of the existing airport code," Mohol said. "However, IATA has conveyed that under the provisions of Resolution 763, assigned three-letter codes are considered permanent and are altered only under exceptional circumstances, usually involving air safety concerns." The response did not elaborate on when Air India made the request or who were the other entities. Neha LM Tripathi...