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| Version 0 | Version 1 |
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| 'Gay talks' deadlocks scrub work | 'Gay talks' deadlocks scrub work |
| (about 1 hour later) | |
| Scrub clearance work on the Downs area of Bristol has been delayed because of complaints from gay men who use the area for sex, the city council said. | Scrub clearance work on the Downs area of Bristol has been delayed because of complaints from gay men who use the area for sex, the city council said. |
| The authority is concerned it could be accused of discrimination after a warning from its own lesbian, gay and bisexual advisory group. | The authority is concerned it could be accused of discrimination after a warning from its own lesbian, gay and bisexual advisory group. |
| It has suspended work on the Circular Road above Avon Gorge, which would open up the area to wildlife and visitors. | It has suspended work on the Circular Road above Avon Gorge, which would open up the area to wildlife and visitors. |
| Talks are now being held to try to end the deadlock. | Talks are now being held to try to end the deadlock. |
| Equality policies | Equality policies |
| Plans to clear the overgrown landscape follow consultations three years ago, when some Downs users complained about "inappropriate sexual activity". | |
| Head of parks Peter Wilkinson said the council had strong equality policies to protect the interests of all groups, irrespective of their sexuality. | |
| "The general public are unhappy about people taking part in lewd behaviour in public spaces, whether it's between men and women or people of the same sex," he said. | |
| "We are working together with the Terrence Higgins Trust to make sure any work we will do is sensitive. | |
| "We're making sure people know what we are doing so we are not seen to be discriminating." | "We're making sure people know what we are doing so we are not seen to be discriminating." |
| Although having sex in a public place could give rise to a criminal charge such as indecent exposure, police have said they are unlikely to investigate unless a formal complaint is made. | Although having sex in a public place could give rise to a criminal charge such as indecent exposure, police have said they are unlikely to investigate unless a formal complaint is made. |
| The HIV charity the Terrence Higgins Trust said it was in talks with the police and the council over the issue and did not yet want to comment. | |
| A meeting of the Bristol Downs Committee is due to be held later. | A meeting of the Bristol Downs Committee is due to be held later. |