Naples Women Threaten Sex Strike Over Fireworks

Tired of the dangers posed by fireworks, hundreds of women in the Italian city of Naples have have pledged to go without sex unless their men stay away from pyrotechnics.

The women say it is the only way to persuade their partners that they are serious about their concerns.

"If a sex strike is what it takes in order to get the attention of our men, husbands, partners and sons, then we're ready for it," a woman who identifies herself as Mrs Staiano tells Italy's Ansa news agency.

Staiano says she speaks from personal experience when warning of the dangers of fireworks as her father was left partially paralysed and with epilepsy after a firework exploded next to him. The campaign, which started as a small-scale pledge in her home town now has hundreds of supporters and generated a large amount of media interest.

Doctor and local councillor Vincenzo Sorrentino, who has campaigned against illegal fireworks, says the idea isn't popular among men but appears to be working: "The idea of no sex is not exactly popular and polls among local men have suggested they plan to make much greater efforts this year to prevent illegal fireworks being let off."

Local officials are backing the women and have sent out text messages urging the men to "make love, not explosions".

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