Recent reports from the English-language Swedish publication The Local indicate the Swedish legal system is willing to turn a blind eye toward general public peeing, if a Stockholm court’s treatment of a 45-year-old bus stop offender is any indication. The man from Nacka (a Stockholm suburb) got off because he was discrete and failed to upset, which fulfilled a Stockholm court’s litmus test.
Nacka ruling makes open public peeing acceptable to all
Most people have the capability to pee in general public – assuming an elaborate catheter is not required – however the vast majority fears either general public censure or the long arm of the law. The Swedish newspaper Metro points out that public urination is indeed banned by statute in Sweden – there’s an 800 kronor fine ($120) – but that did not stop about 5,000 Swedes at critical mass from seeking public relief in 2009.
Of course, Sweden’s popular Nacka ruling changes things a bit. If it is an emergency, Swedes will now be able to legally pee in public without fines. If a public urinator claims to have no blatant public exposure, has looked for a toilet and has all body parts covered, he or she can’t be in trouble. The law can have to let them go because of the court. The Spring Break Stockholm crowd probably doesn’t mind the lawful precedent, however the Swedish law enforcement may have to deal with something interesting now. Cops have a hard job. When is it inappropriate? When it is time to stop it?
Court states ‘Intent to offend was lacking’
Court Annika Johansson was the judge of the Stockholm district over the Nacka resident case which is why she was able to say that the resident was not inherently offensive and didn’t mean to upset individuals. The man was waiting for a bus in an area without public toilets. He went behind the bus stop façade when he decided he could not wait anymore. He was not intoxicated when he made this decision. He also was doing what he could to be discreet about this all.
America, take note. It is possible to interpret a law reasonable while observing it nevertheless.
Citations
The Local
thelocal.se/29270/20100927/
Marathoners will come running to get it!
youtube.com/watch?v=8eLU5wYWKd4
