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Durandal7

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Feb 24, 2001
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The ban aims to raise levels of public morality - the newspaper says

Moscovites caught kissing in public places could be fined if city authorities pass a new law currently under consideration, according to a Russian newspaper.

The kissing ban could even extend to lawfully wedded spouses, Stolichnaya Vechernyaya Gazeta reported.

Quoting unnamed sources, it said the plan was aimed at raising levels of public morality in the Russian capital.

The newspaper added that "particularly blatant cases could even lead to a spell of temporary detention in jail".

It said that if approved the new regulations would be introduced earlier next year.

The newspaper quoted a city education official, Tatyana Maskimova, as saying that travellers in the Moscow underground were in particular indulging in lax behaviour.

"Our children are getting love lessons all day long from they see around them," Ms Maksimova said.

Human rights campaigner and a leading member of Russia's Democratic Union party, Valeriya Novodvorskaya said she would defy the ban if the new bill is introduced.

"Introducing a ban on kissing is really taking things to the Orwellian level of an anti-sexual league and capital punishment for the offence," Ms Novodvorskaya told Echo Moskvy radio station.

"However, if this is not a joke and the mayor's office is indeed drafting such a resolution, I will from now on spend my days kissing in public places - simply out of principle.

"The moment I see a nice person I know, I will immediately kiss them - even if I don't feel like it. I invite all other Moscovites to do the same," Ms Novodvorskaya added.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3252315.stm
 
Kentucky is next. Our newly elected governer, Ernie Fletcher "Stands for family values" according to his campaign ads. I guess I better go buy some sweaters, a Golden Retriever, and maybe even a pair of slippers. This was the first time I ever voted for a Democrat, and I feel dirty, but in a good way! ;)
 
Not that long ago in Japan kissing was thought to be an overtly sexual act and thus highly inappropriate for public places.
 
No doubt this is a very culture specfic story, but it makes me appreciate things I value in my own culture. Being able to express a little affection in public without the morality police hauling you away is one of those things.
 
Originally posted by Sayhey
No doubt this is a very culture specfic story, but it makes me appreciate things I value in my own culture. Being able to express a little affection in public without the morality police hauling you away is one of those things.

Comments like this just make me glad I do not live in San Francisco :D

(seriously, culture values are more suited for the political discussion forum. There is too much to argue about there. And... do you really think you can make such conclusions after reading some rumour?)
 
Originally posted by Flickta
Comments like this just make me glad I do not live in San Francisco :D

(seriously, culture values are more suited for the political discussion forum. There is too much to argue about there. And... do you really think you can make such conclusions after reading some rumour?)

Flickta, no offense intended. We all have our own notions of what is appropriate. I'm not sure that this story accurately reflects what is thought appropriate in Moscow. Anyway, I hope you make it to SF sometime so you can evaluate our cultural traditions first hand. I know I'd love to check out Moscow.
 
Leave it to the Russians to bring back tighter government control. I wouldn't be suprised it our city council here in Boston proposed the same thing.
 
Yikes!

Man, if I lived in Russia and this legislation passed, I would be in jail SO often! And definitely a repeat offender.... ;)
 
Originally posted by yamabushi
Not that long ago in Japan kissing was thought to be an overtly sexual act and thus highly inappropriate for public places.
Yeah, but there's a huge difference between "highly inapporpriate" and "criminal offense".
 
Originally posted by Sayhey
Flickta, no offense intended. We all have our own notions of what is appropriate. I'm not sure that this story accurately reflects what is thought appropriate in Moscow. Anyway, I hope you make it to SF sometime so you can evaluate our cultural traditions first hand. I know I'd love to check out Moscow.

Peace is all we need... :)

Yes, I'd like to visit SF some day. And about "appropriate" - you never know what is appropriate for every resident of, say, 9mln+ city (Moscow, that is).

P.S. I do not live in Moscow...
 
Originally posted by Flickta
Peace is all we need... :)

Yes, I'd like to visit SF some day. And about "appropriate" - you never know what is appropriate for every resident of, say, 9mln+ city (Moscow, that is).

P.S. I do not live in Moscow...

Indeed Peace would be great. :)

If you do make it to SF, what is "appropriate" public conduct can be shocking to visitors. Hint: don't go to the street fairs if lots of bare skin offends you.

P.S. - I assumed from your "born in USSR" you weren't in Russia now.
 
Originally posted by Sayhey
Indeed Peace would be great. :)

If you do make it to SF, what is "appropriate" public conduct can be shocking to visitors. Hint: don't go to the street fairs if lots of bare skin offends you.

P.S. - I assumed from your "born in USSR" you weren't in Russia now.

I was born in USSR. It is no more (From Warlords II: "USSRians, thy cities are as dust") Even the city i was born in disappeared. But I am in Russia now. And I live in the same house all my life... ;)
 
Originally posted by Flickta
I was born in USSR. It is no more (From Warlords II: "USSRians, thy cities are as dust") Even the city i was born in disappeared. But I am in Russia now. And I live in the same house all my life... ;)

My mistake. I would guess St. Petersburg from your discription (formerly Leningrad) and access to the internet. Anyway, Peace.
 
Originally posted by Sayhey
My mistake. I would guess St. Petersburg from your discription (formerly Leningrad) and access to the internet. Anyway, Peace.

A mistake, yes. It's Ekaterinburg (Formerly Sverdlovsk). Access to the internet... well, without that I would not have been able to post. And occasionaly, (like 6 days out of 7) I leave my sweet home. University and such.

Peace... Wonderful concept!:)
 
Originally posted by MrMacman
Flickta -- what are your views if this ban is really put in place...

Moscow will become a worse place to live.

But you know... the strictness of our laws is softened by endless possibilities not to obey them. ;) Or, when it comes to more serious stuff then kissing, :(
 
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