Fake signs encourage “considerate sex” in park
Signs put up outside park frequented by gay men used official city logo Visitors to Ørstedsparken, just next to Nørreport Station, were last week greeted by signs asking people to be considerate of others if they intended to have sex...
Visitors to Ørstedsparken, just next to Nørreport Station, were last week greeted by signs asking people to be considerate of others if they intended to have sex in the park.
Sex is allowed in the park, but the sign asked people to clean up after themselves and not to have loud intercourse between 9am and 4pm.
The signs carried the City Council’s logo, but it soon became clear that the council had nothing to do with them and council workers were quick to take them down. It later appeared that a group of artists were behind the stunt.
Ørstedsparken has long been a preferred place for gay men, in particular, to meet for brief intimate encounters. According to Jon Pape, the head of the City Council’s centre for parks and nature, the council has been aware of the problems associated with sex in the park for a long time, for example with the ongoing problem of used condoms being scattered on benches and even in the playground.
“Sex in Ørstedsparken is a common problem that our park attendants encounter every day,” Pape told public broadcaster DR. The problem is, however, not as extensive as the new signs would make it out to be, and the council is not planning to take the matter any further.
“The layout and the text of the signs are not offensive in any way, and although the sign maker pretended to be the City Council, we will probably not press any charges.”
The signs were well received by Hans Christian Seidelin, a spokesperson for homosexual association LGBT, who is all in favour of showing consideration, not only in the Ørstedsparken, but everywhere.
“Of course people should clean up after themselves. Ørsedsparken is known as a favoured place for homosexuals, but it should be a place for everyone.”
See related story