Get a room: Indian village bans public displays of affection

An Indian village in a western coastal state has imposed a ban on couples kissing in public, claiming the sight of such “obscene” behaviour is unwanted by local residents. The village parliament of Salvador-de-Mundo, 13km north of Goa’s capital Panaji, unanimously passed a resolution this week warning holidaymakers against engaging in public displays of affection.

We have adopted this resolution following complaints from villagers about couples kissing in public. This was the only way to put an end to it.

Reena Fernandes, deputy village chief

The ban on kissing, drinking alcohol, playing loud music in public in the village came to international attention after photos of a banner printed and hoisted in in Salvador do Mundo went viral on social media. The banner reads: “Commit no nuisance, visitors keep our village clean, drinking alcohol, smoking, loud music, kissing in public, nuisances in public are strictly prohibited here.” The photos triggered mixed reactions on Facebook.

People sometimes do get a bit too carried away kissing in public.

Patricia Nazareth, from Salvador do Mundo who favours the ban