English Mardi Gras Discourages Straights

Mardi Gras organizers in Manchester, England's Gay Village executed a plan last weekend to keep out heterosexuals.

Revelers were unable to receive service in area pubs and clubs unless they were wearing a wristband that cost five pounds, half of which was donated to gay charities.

The organizers said that in recent years the festival was overrun by drunken hordes of straight youth in search of a good time.

"As the success of the event has increased, so has the criticism from the lesbian and gay community regarding the number of straight people coming into the village to enjoy the Mardi Gras at their expense," said Coordinator Ian Wilmott. "We hope this scheme is a way of helping to ensure that Mardi Gras will not only remain a lesbian and gay event but will be safe, friendly and secure."

The "PledgeBand" was approved by bar owners, the police, licensing authorities and the City Council, according to The Times.

Mardi Gras ran from August 28-31 and was expected to attract around 150,000 people.

Sri Lankan Gays Demand Sodomy Repeal

The Sri Lankan gay group Companions on a Journey has issued a public plea for repeal of the nation's sodomy ban.

Under the 130-year-old law, gay sex is punishable by up to 12 years in prison.

"This is primarily a human-rights and health issue," Director Sherman de Rose told reporters. "Most of the AIDS patients are homosexuals but they are reluctant to get medical advice because of the social stigma attached to homosexuality."

Companions has 490 members, mostly men, Rose said.