Cops in Britain have been advised to ignore instances of “dogging” — charming British slang for public sex — and “cottaging” — precious British term for gay cruising in public parks and restrooms. Deputy chief constable Michael Cunningham announced that cops who witness such events should keep on walking, lest officers offend the gay community or overstep their roles by seeking to become “moral arbiters.” Instead, he suggests cops spend time scouring the web for “research” purpose. All this time we’ve been a constable without even realising it:

Arrests should only be made as a last resort, he says. Instead, he said officers should study specialist sex websites — to see what is taking place in local parks, toilets and car parks.

Mr. Cunningham cited instances were people arrested for cottaging or dogging or carefully placing dogs in cottages have committed suicide or self-harm as a reason to resist arresting offenders.

So. Is… Is public sex not illegal in Britain? That would explain the behavior of British tourists.

We’re interested in what you think, primarily, about Mr. Cunningham’s statement regarding officers of the law not being society’s “moral arbiters.” Do you agree? Is it up to law enforcement to set moral guidelines and act as role models? Or does that go beyond their duty of giving Brown people the side-eye?

Let’s get an opinion from a celebrity:

”@#$%!!!!!”

Good news for George Michael … bad news for the rest of us [The Sun]