Love not war: Swedish peace group launches gay-rights sonar system to counter Russian subs

STOCKHOLM – Swedish peace activists who argue that military hardware isn’t the best way to deter Russian submarines have launched their own underwater defence installation: a gay-themed sonar system.

In a publicity stunt dubbed “Operation The Singing Sailor,” the Swedish Peace and Arbitration Society placed a sonar device in the Stockholm archipelago sending out a Morse code message saying “This way if you are gay.”

The device also features a neon sign with a sailor waving a white flag and the words “Welcome to Sweden — Gay since 1944” — the year Sweden legalized homosexuality.

The group is urging the Swedish government to resist calls for re-armament after a weeklong hunt in October for a suspected Russian submarine, saying “love and peace across boundaries is more important than ever.”

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.