A gay sex "zone of toleration" in London's Russell Square is being proposed by the direct action group, OutRage!, as a way of reducing public complaints and police harassment arising from gay cruising and sex in the Square at night.

The idea is modeled on the "tolerance zone for gay sex" that operates in parks in Copenhagen and Amsterdam with the agreement of the police and city council.

Under the OutRage! proposal, Camden Council and Holborn Police would agree to the creation of an officially-designated "zone of toleration" within Russell Square, where gay sex would be permitted.

"One third of Russell Square could be sectioned off with a high fence and thick shrubbery", explained John Beeson of OutRage!. "Entrance to the area would be marked with a warning sign. A similar system has worked well in the main parks in Copenhagen and Amsterdam for many years".

OutRage! is attacking the homophobic campaign mounted by some local residents.

"If local people don't like gay sex in Russell Square, they should stay away. No one is forcing them to go there. They can use Bedford Square or Coram's Fields instead. In any case, what are these heterosexual whingers doing wandering around Russell Square at 2 a.m.? They should be at home looking after their children", said Beeson.

OutRage! is blaming Camden Council for the rise in public complaints of "indecency".

"The Council increased the lighting in the Square and cut down the thick shrubbery, making the sex more visible. No wonder public complaints have increased.

"Having created the problem, Camden is now considering closing the Square at night to stop gay men having sex there. This would end more than 50 years of gay cruising in Russell Square.

"To make the sex more discreet, Camden Council should turn off the lights and replant head-high dense bushes around the outer perimeter of the Square, the borders of the flower beds, and the sides of the cafe. That would cut the visibility of sexual behavior and minimize public complaints", said Beeson.