By Ronnie Cohen
SAN FRANCISCO, Dec 4 (Reuters) – San Francisco’s Board of
Supervisors gave final approval on Tuesday to a ban on public
nudity, a measure aimed at curtailing displays of nakedness that
some residents and business owners say have gotten out of
control in the famously tolerant city.
The board’s action during a contentious meeting at City Hall
prompted six angry protesters to strip down to their socks.
Standing at the ready with blankets, sheriff’s deputies
quickly covered up the disrobed demonstrators and led them from
the majestic beaux-arts chamber. Protesters, one wearing only
rainbow knee socks and another sporting black nylons, chanted,
“body freedom” and “shame on you” as they were escorted from the
room.
The Board of Supervisors gave preliminary approval to the
nudity ban two weeks ago. Its final 6-5 vote on Tuesday came
without further debate from the panel. The measure is due to
take effect on Feb. 1.
The supervisors’ efforts to clamp down on public nudity has
caused a flap in the city, where men in particular are known to
parade in the buff through the streets of the predominantly gay
Castro District.
San Francisco last year required nudists to cover their
buttocks in public and to wear clothes in restaurants. Residents
say the restrictions just encouraged exhibitionism.
Under the new ordinance, public nudity would be allowed at
certain parades, fairs and festivals, and on designated beaches.
Violators would be fined up to $100 for a first offense and
$200 for a second. Three-time offenders would face up to a year
in jail and a $500 fine.
(Reporting by Ronnie Cohen; Writing by Alex Dobuzinskis;
Editing by Steve Gorman and Stacey Joyce)
