San Francisco nudists sue to block proposed ban

[November 15, 2012]  SAN FRANCISCO (AP) -- A group of San Francisco residents is suing the city to block a proposed ban on public nudity.

A lawsuit filed Wednesday in federal court in San Francisco claims an ordinance that city officials are considering would violate the civil rights of people who want to bare their bodies for personal or political reasons.

The Board of Supervisors is scheduled to vote on the measure next week. It would prohibit nakedness on city streets, sidewalks and plazas at all times except during permitted fairs and parades, such as the city's annual gay pride event.

Lawyer Christina DiEdoardo filed the case as a dozen or so of her clients stood outside the courthouse in varying states of undress.

DiEdoardo says the ban is too broad and would inhibit the free speech of nudists who can't afford a permit.

[Associated Press]

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