Dutch Legalize Gay Sex in Public Park

The Telegraph (UK) reported yesterday on new public park regulations in Amsterdam.

Paul van Grieken, an Alderman in the Oud-Zuid district of the city, has startled many Amsterdammers, despite their famously liberal attitudes, with plans to allow public sex as part of this summer's new rules of conduct for the country's best-known park.

"Why should we try to impose something that is actually impossible to impose, which also causes little bother for others and for a certain group actually means much pleasure?", he said.

Stumbling upon people having sex in public "causes little bother"? Does it bother little kids?

I understand the Dutch tend to pride themselves on their generosity of spirit in not judging other people's behavior, but this is too much. Just the legalization will increase the number of people coming to the park for sex. And that will cause more and more "bother" for the other park visitors.

But the topping on this appalling cake is the activity the aldermen decided to outlaw.

The new park rules have the blessing of the Dutch police, who have urged all Dutch parks to follow Amsterdam's lead.

But Amsterdam's dog owners are less impressed. The new park code of conduct will set out stiff fines for dogs that are allowed to run around the Vondelpark off the leash.

"Research showed that many people find this disturbing," said Mr van Grieken.