Following are excerpts from a TV report on the debate caused by the Proposed modesty law in the UAE, which aired on the Al-Jazeera network on June 28, 2012.
Reporter: "Few people have forgotten the scandal of several months ago, when a British tourist and a British expat were caught having sex on a Dubai beach. Anyone who visits the UAE and strolls around its malls will undoubtedly catch a glimpse of tourists and foreign residents engaging in unacceptable and inappropriate behavior, which many locals believe runs counter to the moral values of UAE society."
Federal National Council member Hamad Al-Rahoomi: "There is improper behavior, like passionate kissing on escalators, in plain view. The whole world just sitting there watching as two people exchange passionate kisses, or a guy walking in the mall, with his hand [in the pocket] of his girlfriend's pants...
"These things are unacceptable, just like their see-through or very short clothing, which reveals their underwear.
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"These things are unacceptable. People who reject this have called for legislation that would ban this conduct, in order to preserve the unique character of the country."
Reporter: "The issue is still being discussed in UAE society and on social media networks, following the recommendation of the UAE Federal National Council for legislation regarding modesty in public places, which would lead to the punishment of transgressors."
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