'World Orgasm Day' orgy for peace canceled due to threats

The alien-centered religion of the Raelians (named after leader Rael) had planned a special event to mark World Orgasm Day - a mass orgy for peace in Tel Aviv.

However, the event, scheduled to coincide with the Winter Solstice on December 21, was canceled after organizers received multiple threats.

Raelian spokesperson in Israel, Kobi Drori, said that the orgy would welcome all orientations, as long as participants were over 18, popular culture blogger Perez Hilton reported Friday.

The orgy - intended to "try and bring world peace through mass orgasm, this by experiencing consensual sex and natural, uninterrupted pleasure" - was to be the first of events to take place in Tel Aviv. In January, a conference on sexuality and masturbation will feature experts and writers in the field.

Drori said the group will not be deterred by this setback. "We wanted to put into practice the saying 'make love, not war'," he said, adding, "Several years ago an Iraqi boy whose limbs were amputated was shown on TV and everybody treated this as if it was okay, but when Janet Jackson exposed her breast during the Superbowl the American nation was appalled."

The Raelians are known for their liberal attitudes towards sexuality. They believe that mankind was created by aliens who arrived here thousands of years ago in UFOs. Despite their opposition to Biblical attitudes towards sex they see the Bible as a book that bears witness to ancient alien visitors, and place particular emphasis on the Book of Ezekiel, which they see as an ancient account of a UFO visitation.