Mayor Embraces Kissing in Public, Denies Ban

Mexican official starts ad campaign to prove that Guanajuato welcomes PDA, despite what people say

By Rebecca Smith Hurd, Newser User

Posted Jan 21, 2009 2:56 PM CST

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Mayor Embraces Kissing in Public, Denies Ban — The wording of an anti-obscenity law in Guanajuato, Mexico, led many to believe they could be fined for public displays of affection. The legislation is being reviewed. (AP Photo/Daniel Ochoa de Olza)

Planning a trip to Guanajuato, Mexico? You’d better bust out the lip balm, AP reports. Mayor Eduardo Romero has proclaimed his city “the kissing capital” to counter claims he’s against public displays of affection. Apparently, the wording of a local anti-obscenity law caused some people to believe that lip-locking in the streets could draw a fine.

Officials say they never meant to ban the beso—and have suspended the law for review. Meanwhile, the mayor yesterday showed off new ads featuring a smooching couple and the phrase, “Guanajuato, the kissing capital.” Local legend has it that two forbidden lovers, who lived on opposite sides of a narrow street, secretly leaned out their windows to kiss.
(More Mexico stories.)

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