Sexpo 2005, Singapore’s first sex exhibition, opened on Friday – light on the sex. Rules restricted the display of adult toys (restricted items include whips, handcuffs and inflatable sex dolls) and the promotion of “objectionable sexual behaviors or lifestyles” (some examples of objectionable sexual behaviors or lifestyles given by Victor Keong, a police spokesman, are sadomasochism, bestiality, homosexuality, paedophilia and promiscuity).

Under Singapore laws, it is an offence to “sell, distribute, exhibit, import or export an obscene object.” Those violating the law can be punished with a jail term of up to six months, or a fine, or both. The law does not define obscene objects.

Although a few sex shops have sprung up in Singapore in recent years, Sexpo Organizers said they would err on the side of caution and exhibitors have been given a set of guidelines on the exhibit of adult material.

Sexpo director Kenny Goh said the display of obscene items, such as oversized vibrators, an inflatable sex doll and penis rings, have been banned.

Goh said it took about two months to get police approval to stage the event. Access to Singapore’s Expo center will be strictly monitored and only those aged 21 or above will be allowed entry.

Visit SEXPO 2005.