A change in the Corona Protection Ordinance for the state of NRW has ensured that gay saunas must now close again. While it is(at least currently) still possible to gain entry to gyms as a recovered/vaccinated person with a test, different rules apply to saunas.
Meanwhile, many locations have already reacted and published corresponding postings in the social networks. Since December 30, 2021, swingers clubs and co. are no longer allowed to open due to the adapted regulation. Since gay saunas fall into the category of comparable locations, they are also affected.
How long must the saunas in NRW remain closed?
This is a question with which not only the operators but also many passionate gay cruisers are currently concerned. After all, the gay sauna landscape is wide-ranging, especially in NRW.
A look at the current regulations shows that the specifications provisionally apply "only" until January 12, 2022. Manageable, actually. However, it would not be surprising if extended again here. After all, the past has already shown that - as has been repeatedly emphasized by the political side - it is only possible to "drive on sight.
Gay saunas in NRW allowed to open briefly
... albeit under strict safety precautions and hygiene measures. Those who had been tested and were also either recovered or vaccinated had access to most of the relevant locations. Of course, the whole thing was particularly practical for the gay saunas, which were located in a largely central location.
In cities like Cologne or Düsseldorf, the next test offer is usually not too far away. Freely according to the motto "First test, then cruise!", there was actually always a lot going on here, even during the Corona pandemic.
In the end, however, it is somewhat confusing that each federal state acts differently here. While the gay saunas and swingers clubs in other regions had to close much earlier than December 30, 2021, the relevant locations in other states may even remain open(mostly under 2G + regulation).
A basic question: can a gay sauna be equated with a prostitution business?
Many members of the community and politicians do not agree on this. While some representatives of the CDU are of the opinion that gay saunas and prostitution establishments can certainly be compared, representatives of the SPD define the saunas as safe places of retreat for gay men. Critics emphasize that a gay sauna is not just about sex, but also a kind of "meeting place". Here, they say, it is wrong to act on the basis of prejudice.
Some politicians even accuse the CDU of discriminating against gay men by closing gay saunas.
A look at the current situation also shows that some gay saunas - also in NRW - currently still "dare" to open under 2G +. It remains to be seen how things will develop here.
What role do gay saunas play in the community?
Especially many singles or men who live in an open relationship love to drop by a gay sauna every now and then. And even if it is ultimately for many actually here mainly about sex, the argument of the SPD(see above) can not be completely refuted.
Because: in contrast to classic gay cruising places, for example at rest stops, gay saunas are actually a "protected setting" that allows you to live out your sexual orientation - without the fear of getting caught. Therefore, it is self-explanatory why the discussion around the closure of the locations sometimes becomes very emotional.
If you stick to rules such facilities should remain open.what good is it if you then meet somewhere else and there with several people on each other meets it's not just about sex.
I agree, unfortunately we are not the "makers" of these rules....