3 April 2008

BELGIUM - A homosexual couple caught having sex in the sand dunes near to a nudist beach in the West Flemish resort of Bredene have escaped punishment.

Although the two men were both convicted of indecency, the judge decided not to pass sentence.

The men's solicitor had argued that in the modern world, sex is often brought into the public domain, be it on television or in the arts. He went on to argue that this had changed society's norms and values when it came to sex.

The judge followed the defence solicitor's arguments.

However, sex in public places remains a criminal offence, so the judge had no option other than to convict the two men.

The judicial authorities have said that they will not appeal against the judge's decision.

[flandersenews.be / Expatica 2008]

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