Public display of affection
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A public display of affection (sometimes abbreviated PDA) is physically demonstrating affection for another person while in the view of others, for example, holding hands or kissing in public.
This behavior is sometimes considered in bad taste, and in some jurisdictions it may even be criminal. It may be considered a mild form of exhibitionism, though it is also possible that the partners are simply indifferent to what others can see, and therefore not inhibited by it. Some people disapprove of or are disgusted by it, but some find it pleasant to view, in a mild form of voyeurism.
In some societies, certain couples need to be quite careful about public displays of affection. For example, in many places in North America, homosexual couples would be at risk of encountering aggression from homophobic onlookers. As a result of this, many gay rights activists have used public displays of affection as a means of defiance, treating them as political acts. For example, at McGill University, the Queer McGill organization stages "kiss-ins" in which homosexual couples get together on the steps of the Arts building and kiss. In many places around the world, couples of differing race, religion or tribe may be subject to similar problems.
It is often banned in many high schools in the United States in order to teach social standards that the school's administration finds acceptable. This rule may also serve to protect the school from being implicated in sexual harassment lawsuits among students.
Sometimes partners differ regarding how they like or dislike giving or receiving public displays of affection.
There is a proposed law in Indonesia outlawing kissing in public places.