Manama: A Kuwaiti lawmaker has flooded the local blogosphere with comments after he suggested a prison term or a fine for wearing “provocative” swimwear or mixing with people from the other sex. “All men and women who go to Kuwaiti beaches, islands or public pools should make sure they do not wear indecent or revealing costumes,” MP Sa’ad Al Boos said in the motion he submitted to parliament.

“The mixing of men and women is banned on sports fields, sports halls, swimming pools attached to hotels and health clubs and in private and public athletic events,” he said.

Under the motion, anyone who does not comply with the ban will be sent to jail for a maximum of six months and/or fined 500 dinars (Dh6,405), local news site Al Aan reported on Sunday. The lawmaker attributed his motion to his determination to ensure the full respect of local traditions in all places, saying that acts of inappropriate behaviour have spread on beaches, islands and yachts and during sports activities.

“There is nothing wrong with what the lawmaker has suggested,” Raja Al Qah’tani, a blogger, said. “We support his call to curb the lack of discipline on beaches.”

Another blogger, Editor, said that he welcomed the motion. “He is trying to protect our young people and he should be lauded,” Editor posted. However, Sundance Kid commented that the lawmaker filed the motion to inch his way towards the Islamist movement in the country. “He has some problems of his own and he now wants to win the Islamists to his side. People are not as naïve as he thinks,” the blogger posted.