No that is not true If you jumper the relay, and the starter cranks, all that proves is that the relay is not ACTUATING. In that case it could be several things..........
1.....Power not getting to the relay, IE ignition switch problems, wiring through the bulkhead, the mentioned above, seat belt interlock
2.....Relay not grounding through the neutral safety switch, so, mis-adjusted shift linkage, bad switch, poor connections at the switch or broken damaged harness.