Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Teenagers Kiss Off S. African Lip-Locking Ban

They protest law that forbids smooching kids younger than 16

By Laurel Jorgensen,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 6, 2008 9:06 AM CST

(Newser) – South African teenagers held a “kiss-in” yesterday to protest a new law that criminalizes romantic physical contact with anyone under 16, the Washington Post reports. The "Kissing Law” is intended to make it easier to prosecute older men sexually involved with younger girls. But the law has outraged students, pushing authorities to say they don’t intend to arrest young people who violate it.

Dozens of demonstrators skated onto an ice rink in suburban Johannesburg yesterday, hugging and kissing at the cue of a deejay. “We’re young. We need to experiment,” said a 12-year-old girl. Officials insisted teens don’t have to worry. “Technically, it is illegal, but obviously those children are not going to be charged,” said a Justice Department spokesman.

A young couple kisses in this undated file photo.
A young couple kisses in this undated file photo.   (Flickr)
TUNISIA. FILM : Justine. Anouk Aimee and Michael York during filming. 1968. (LON32580)
TUNISIA. FILM : "Justine." Anouk Aimee and Michael York during filming. 1968. (LON32580)   (Magnum Photos)
This undated file photo shows a statue of couple kissing.
This undated file photo shows a statue of couple kissing.   (Flickr)
A young couple approaches a kiss in this undated file photo.
A young couple approaches a kiss in this undated file photo.   (Flickr)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Not All Schools Embrace Teen Hugging Fad

Mayor Embraces Kissing in Public, Denies Ban

Male Couple Kisses for 50 Hours

Romance Publisher Trying to Patent the Kiss

Why That New Year's Eve Kiss Might Be Lousy


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne