An Oxford University Graduate has launched a new dating site where the men must make the first move. The site owner claims that the site, which promotes chivalry, is a necessary antidote to 'hook up' culture but some have accused it of being sexist

Posted: 30 June 2015

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An Oxford University graduate has caused controversy this week by launching a 'chivalrous' dating website on which men must make the first move.Chivalrynotdead.com blocks its female members from sending any initial messages to men on the site, although the women are permitted to send a 'handkerchief' icon to men they find attractive in order to indicate their interest.The site also features dating tips for men and women which are locked by gender. Beth Murtagh, the site's founder, says that "it is particularly important in the era of hook up apps to bring romance back into the dating scene. The rules of chivalry are important, particularly for women, as they allow a woman time to assess how a date treats her and to negotiate how she would like to be treated in a relationship. I don't see this as anti-feminist."However, the site has faced some backlash on Twitter, with some users describing it as 'sexist' and 'outdated'. It remains to be seen whether chivalry can survive online in 2015.Member profiles are available for free until September, after which a monthly fee applies. Chivalrynotdead.com can also be followed on Twitter and Facebook.