In San Francisco it was a common occurrence to see people walking down the street casually in nothing but their birthday suit. Due to a proposed ban forbidding nudity in public, San Franciscan's may no longer be allowed to let it all hang out in public. In protest, dozens of nudity activists protested outside San Francisco City Hall on Wednesday Nov. 14.
Reuters reported nude activist, Gysy Taub saying, "We are here today in response to an attack on our fundamental freedom, our freedom to be ourselves in our own city."
Protestors held signs that said things like "Nudity is Natural" and Nude is not Lewd," reported Reuters. The proposed ban would make a law that would criminalize nudity on streets, plazas and public transport but excludes parades and street fairs which would require permits. There is a hearing by the city's Board of Supervisors for Tuesday.
Christina DiEdoardo filed a suit on behalf of the nude protesters to get the nudity ban to be blocked. She said to Reuters, "The city is getting into trying to legislate and criminally enforce a dress code. My clients are trying to save the Board of Supervisors from acting unconstitutionally."
USA Today quoted DiEdoardo saying in a blog post, "Lost in the debate are three fundamental (at least to a criminal defense attorney like me) questions. First, is the conduct targeted by the proposed ordinance a protected activity? Second, assuming the government can restrict the behavior, are extant State laws sufficient? Third, has state legislation already preempted the field of regulation of nudity in public spaces?"
Supervisor Scott Wiener proplsed the ban and said at a public hearing, "Public nudity is no longer random and sporadic, and it's no longer an occasional quirky part of San Francisco," USA Today reported.
If the ban passes those caught naked would be fined $100 for the first time and $200 for the second offense within 12 months. A third time would be $500 fine or a misdemeanor charge.
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SF Nudity Ban: San Francisco Nudists Call for Rally Against Proposed Nudity Regulations
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