Sex exhibition under close police watch
 

(Coaster)


SINGAPORE (Reuters) - Singapore opened its first sex
exhibition on Friday with police saying they will also attend
to make sure organizers and exhibitors comply with the
city-state's strict laws.
Police and the Singapore's media watchdog have reminded
event organizers of rules restricting the display of adult toys
such as vibrators and warned them not to promote homosexuality.
"Organizers must not promote objectionable sexual behaviors
or lifestyle, such as sado-masochism, bestiality,
homosexuality, paedophilia and promiscuity," police spokesman
Victor Keong said.
Titled Sexpo 2005, the three-day event will feature erotic
dance competitions, an array of sex toys and sex-friendly
furniture, as well as a series of seminars on sexual health.
Keong said police will visit the exhibition site to ensure
that the rules are not breached.
Under Singapore laws, it is an offence to "sell,
distribute, exhibit, import or export an obscene object." Those
violating the law can be punished with a jail term of up to six
months, or a fine, or both. The law does not define obscene
objects.
Although a few sex shops have sprung up in Singapore in
recent years, Sexpo Organizers said they would err on the side
of caution and exhibitors have been given a set of guidelines
on the exhibit of adult material.
Sexpo director Kenny Goh said the display of obscene items,
such as oversized vibrators, an inflatable sex doll and penis
rings, have been banned.
Goh said it took about two months to get police approval to
stage the event. Access to Singapore's Expo center will be
strictly monitored and only those aged 21 or above will be
allowed entry.
The wealthy Southeast Asian city-state, which has
consistently ranked at the bottom in a global survey of
sexually active nations, is struggling to reverse its falling
birth rate, one of the world's lowest.
In an attempt to shake off its staid image and woo
tourists, the authorities are also gradually relaxing
censorship laws that ban "Playboy" magazine and clip racy
scenes from movies.