Mayor demands robotic toilets to stop cruising

By Celine Casey • July 5, 2007 - 12:01

. Mayor Jim Naugle believes that robotic toilets will scare off gay cruisers.

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The mayor of the Florida city of Fort Lauderdale wants a robotic toilet that could prevent homosexual activity that he says haunts public restrooms on beach.

The city is a favourite hangout for gay tourists each year. Mayor Jim Naugle believes that robotic toilets will scare off gay cruisers.

Mr Naugle told Sun-Sentinel: "We're trying to provide a family environment where people can take their children who need to use the bathroom, without having to worry about a couple of men in there engaged in a sex act."

Conservative politician Christian Naugle claims that gays are trying to take over Fort Lauderdale, despite the fact they bring in millions of dollars each year.

"They're engaging in sex, anonymous sex, illegal sex," he told the paper.

Fort Lauderdale police claim that sex is not a problem anymore in the toilets and Sgt Frank Scousa said that while there may once have been a problem it isn't today.

"There's no evidence, no reports or arrests made for any men having sex in any restrooms," Sousa told Sun-Sentinel.

Despite this, Mayor Naugle is still adamant that he wants the $250,000 (£125,000) "robo-john" to be bought by the city and positioned on the beach at Sebastian Street, an area in with a large gay presence.

The "robo-john" allows people to stay in the toilet for a short time before the door opens. Naugle figures not enough time for "illegal sex."

Already in use in New York, Seattle and Atlanta, the toilet plays music and cleans the seat automatically.

It is still waiting to be approved by the City Commission.

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