CarnalNation

French gay men can once again inhale deeply from their little brown bottles. On November 22, 2007, French Prime Minister François Fillon banned the manufacture and sale of the liquid vasodilator alkyl nitrite, known more commonly as "poppers." The ban was implemented at the recommendation of the Economic Minister out of fear that the chemical represented a danger to the community. Poppers, when inhaled, induce a brief euphoria and have a relaxing effect, which has made their use during sexual activity quite popular in certain gay milieux. In certain cases, poppers can cause an unsafe drop in blood pressure, especially when combined with Viagra. Following the 2007 ban, the two main distributors of poppers in France, Men's Club and FCC, filed appeals with the Council of State. The National Association of Gay Businesses joined in the suit, fearing that the ban on poppers would lead gay men to use more dangerous substances. Indeed, the major French newspapers have recently featured news stories about the widespread use of GHB and GBL, so-called "date rape" drugs that also induce euphoria but may also lead to coma and death, at gay dance clubs throughout the country. The appeal succeeded, and poppers of the alkyl nitrite variety (other varieties remain banned) may once again be distributed and sold without fear of prosecution. In announcing its decision on Friday, the Council of State said, "The Prime Minister has adopted an excessive measure that is disproportionate to the risks posed by the commercialization of the product for the health and safety of consumers." France breathes a dizzying sigh of relief. A bout de souffle, bien sûr!