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Arthur and Guinevere kiss before all the people.

A public display of affection (sometimes abbreviated PDA) is the physical demonstration of affection for another person while in the view of others. For example, holding hands or kissing in public are commonly defined as public displays of affection. (More far-reaching forms of intimacy could be considered indecent exposure). While the term is generally considered an American term, every culture has written and unwritten rules for showing affection in public.

Individual and societal opinions on the public display of affection can vary significantly, and such displays are sometimes considered in bad taste. In some jurisdictions, the public display of affection may even be criminal.

If the partners enjoy being seen affectionate towards each other in public, it may be considered a mild form of exhibitionism. Alternatively, the partners may be indifferent to what others can see, and therefore are not inhibited by it. Finally, the partners may prefer more privacy, but may simply tolerate being seen by others.

Some may find it pleasant to view others publicly display affection, which may be considered a mild form of voyeurism.

In many societies, public displays of affection may be tolerated even less among minority couples. For example, gay couples could be at risk of encountering aggression from homophobic onlookers. While such public displays of affection could trigger hate violence, some gay rights advocates 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 gay couples kiss in public areas on the university's campus. In many places around the world, couples of differing race, religion, or tribe may be subject to similar intolerance.

In Europe, it is normal to see people holding hands or kissing in public places and public events. Petting (or even heavy petting) is often seen as normal in parks, and certainly in nightclubs.

Many junior and senior high schools in the United States prohibit displays of affection, in an effort that many school administrators believe allows students to focus on learning. Such efforts may also be geared towards promoting prudence among students. Another reason is the potential for liability as PDAs can be in extreme cases be considered sexual harassment.

In Canada, it is also very normal to see people holding hands or kissing in public places and at public events. In nightclubs it is also common for men and women to "grind" (a form of dancing) or dance closely which might be seen as a display of affection to some, while in other situations it is more of a tease.

Indonesia has a proposed law outlawing kissing in public places.

In Pakistan public displays of affection are common among young people but it is taboo and is almost never done in front of authorities as it is a criminal offence.^[1]

The Supreme Court of India has described public displays of affection to be in bad taste and has defined such behavior as unacceptable. The public display of affection may even be considered an act of public nuisance, subjecting individuals to conviction and fine. Despite legal and societal views, the Indian film industry does utilize marketing imagery of individuals display mutual affection as a means of promoting many films.

In Arab countries, varying degrees of PDA are accepted. Some traditional societies like Saudi Arabia do not allow any amount of PDA. However, in most Arab countries, very light PDA is relatively common & accepted in - modernized areas. Holding hands or a hand on the shoulder are the usual limits for PDA. Onlookers to a PDA might take offence & might confront those showing it demanding respect. Heavy PDA can automatically result in - committing an indecent act in public - charge. Tourists are advised never to try any PDA because it will most certainly be met at the very least with indigination or rarely - but possibly - with violence.

1. ^ BBC, "Jail threat for kissing couples", March 8, 2004