Prague issues special map for gays

Prague, Dec 16 (CTK) - Following in the footsteps of other metropolises, Prague has issued a new map of the city designated specifically for gays, Barbora Novakova, spokeswoman for the Prague Information Service (PIS), said Thursday.

"It will be for free at all information centres, gay clubs and hotels," Novakova said.

PIS has established a special section for homosexuals also at its web page.

"The reason is simple. These are mostly people with no children and they are very busy. They have no family-related costs, have high earnings and can invest more in their travelling and entertainment," PIS director Lucie Ramnebornova said.

Along with links to day and night clubs for gays and specialised saunas it includes information on major Prague heritage, addresses of information centres and important phone numbers such as police, hospitals and embassies, Ramnebornova said.

"We do not want to shock anyone," Ramnebornova said, adding that the map did not publicise any "clubs with dubious reputation."

She said that the map creators had consulted a Prague travel agency with a focus on gays on the selected places.

The new map is only directed at homosexual men, not on lesbians.

"There are many more gays coming here. They do not hesitate to come out and are more organised," Novakova said.

"Besides, there are perhaps only two clubs in Prague with a lesbian profile," she added.