Brazil city bans 'forced kisses'

Recife - Seeking to protect female festival-goers from rebel male smoochers, the Brazilian city of Olinda has banned "forced kisses" in this year's Carnival.

The ban for the March 1-5 pre-lenten bash targets a five-year-old tradition by which groups of males form corridors on the cobblestone streets of Olinda and smother women passers-by with kisses, usually against their will.

The practice has outraged local feminists and city officials, who on Friday unveiled several strict security measures for Carnival. Violators of the kiss code can be charged with sexual assault, bodily harm and "unlawful humiliation."

Olinda, a 16th century colonial gem located on Brazil's northeastern coast just outside Recife, is one of the country's most popular destinations for Carnival revelers. -- CNN News

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