In unusual campaign, Vienna installs gay-themed traffic lights

In an unusual campaign, the Austrian capital of Vienna has installed gay-themed traffic lights to promote tolerance and road safety, ahead of hosting one of the world’s  most popular cultural events, the annual Eurovision Song Contest. [caption id=“attachment_2244408” align=“alignleft” width=“380”] Traffic light depicting same-sex couples in Vienna. Getty images.[/caption] These gay-themed traffic lights comprising male or female couples with hearts have replaced the usual single, gender-neutral figure seen in and around Central Vienna. If the couple blinks in red, one needs to stop, while the couple blinking in green indicates go. City officials are hoping that this initiative helps them in getting the attention of pedestrians and improving road safety and also, promote a tolerant attitude of the city. According to the spokeswoman for Vienna’s city lighting department, the city will collate the data to understand whether the campaign has helped traffic safety, in reality. In its 60th year, the Eurovision Song Contest is an important event in the annual gay calender. The contest was won by bearded transvestite Conchita Wurst for Austria last year. Around 40 countries are taking part in the 2015 edition of the contest. The finals are to be held on 23 May. (With inputs from Reuters)