Swinging is a safe, international, middle class and
increasingly popular leisure choice for married and courting couples. Yet
contrary to its obligations under the European Convention on Human Rights,
the United Kingdom effectively criminalises swingers in contrast to the
high degree of tolerance it rightly extends to gay men for precisely the
same activities.
This provides the justification used by unethical
elements in the press to harass swingers even in their own homes. The
British government promotes bigotry against swingers by funding an NGO
that campaigns against swingers by pretending contrary to the scientific
evidence that their lifestyle is detrimental to any couple's relationship.
The British government should recognise its
responsibilities under the European Convention on Human Rights to respect
the sexuality of swingers and stop discriminating against them. It should
cease to fund the NGO that campaigns against swingers and investigate
whether it has breached its charitable status; and should legalise
swingers' activities and lightly regulate their dedicated premises through
Acts of Parliament.
