SWINGERS FOR BEGINNERS
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 criminalizes 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.
