Boorishness without borders.

Like characters out of classical myths, the politicians of a Greek island popular with lesbian tourists can't seem to stop spewing venom--at least when it comes to gay people. Dimitris Vounatsos, governor of Lesbos, said August 29 that female couples should be "fenced off" to avoid offending local residents. "They express themselves publicly in front of children and families on the beach or eating at seaside restaurants," Vounatsos said. "Let's say they can do whatever they like but in a fenced-off area, and we will use the money [they spend] to develop tourism." The island has long been a favorite of gay women because the woman-loving ancient poet Sappho lived there, and the word lesbian is in fact derived from the island's name. Lesbos's seaside resorts feature a few women-only hotels and lesbian bars, which have occasionally been the target of protests from local authorities. Last year the mayor of Eressos threatened to bar a British tour group of lesbians, arguing that their presence would disturb the town. He later withdrew the threat.