Sex & Society

The decision to clear away bushes from Bristol Downs, a 400 acre park in Bristol, England has angered some gay men who fear their recreational sex spot is in jeopardy, calling the plan "potentially discriminating".

The Bristol Downs Committee, responsible for managing the area, wants to  create a more open space for the benefit of wildlife and visitors. The committee had conducted a three year consultation process in which some Downs users complained about illicit sexual activity.

At a recent meeting of the Committee "concerns were expressed by the city council's lesbian, gay and bisexual group that this action was potentially discriminating against gay and bisexual men whose activities on this part of the Downs were objected to by other members of the local community and Downs users."

"The general public are unhappy about people taking part in lewd behavior in public spaces, whether it's between men and women or people of the same sex," argued Head of Parks Peter Wilkinson.

Wilkinson has pledged to work with the Terrence Higgins Trust, a leading gay rights organization, to make sure any clearing work done is not seen as discriminatory.

Comments: