Keep your bum covered

01 May 2008- South Africa- Pink Police are to prevent "improper and indecent conduct" during the Pink Loerie Mardi Gras parade through the Main Street in Knysna on Saturday, executive mayor Eleanore Bouw-Spies says.

Bouw-Spies said she had met organisers of the gay festival - now in its eighth year - after receiving a memorandum and letters from Knysna residents. Most were concerned with the behaviour of people taking part in the parade.

"It was clear the Pink Loerie organisers shared our concerns," she said.

Event co-ordinator Juan Lerm said Pink Police marshalls would clamp down on nudity. An 80-year-old man who has exposed his rear each year - last year he was archbishop of the moon - is to be asked to cover up.

Lerm said the campaign against the Pink Loerie was being orchestrated by the same religious group as in previous years.

"I have great respect for religious views, but can't cope with hate speech and blackmail. Let's have mutual respect."

Pastor Jerome Nel, of God's Ministries and author of the memorandum, said he was one of many ratepayers who rejected the carnival.

"A rejection of the Pink Loerie Festival is not a rejection of gay people or their constitutional rights."

Nel said the gay community was part of the "fascinating Knysna culture, as much as it is part of the culture of most centres in South Africa."

About 400 people joined Nel in presenting his memorandum to the mayor last week. It called for a "free and fair" referendum to establish whether Knysna residents supported the Mardi Gras.

If they do, Nel says, "I will hold my peace and never speak on this issue again".

Bouw-Spies said a "perception survey" would be carried out after the festival and council would use the feedback "to guide decision-making with regards to the Pink Loerie Mardi Gras".

Nel said he would support the survey if it gave every resident of Knysna the chance to express his or her opinion in an "non-intimidating environment".

Mike Griffiths, chairperson of the Knysna Tourism Board, said tourism offices had also received numerous letters of complaint.

The board, however, supported events that boosted local businesses during quiet months.

"While gay festivals will always be controversial with some members of the community, particularly religious groups, we need to balance the sensitivities of these groups with the rights of gay groups to participate in society on an equal basis. Clearly it requires tolerance and understanding on both sides."

Lerm said protests were not his only problem as he was battling to get a liquor licence for the weekend.

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