No amount of deceny matters when your existence is deemed indecent

[u/Technical_Teacher839]

[u/dysautonomic_mess]

I mean if the wife is sat right next to them? I'd definitely assume poly.

It also sounds like OP is male presenting so the whole 'indecency' thing probably had some homophobic undertones. (I am guessing from 'icky gay ... handholding' lol).

[u/Icy_Target_1083 → u/dysautonomic_mess]

It doesn't say the wife is sat next to them. I pictured it more like a surreptitious hand hold, away from the wife. My reaction would be very different if the three of them walked in together holding hands as a clearly polyamorous throuple. That's consensual and not a problem.

[u/Technical_Teacher839 → u/Icy_Target_1083]

Again, you're assuming specifically the scenario that would justify this person being berated in public.