Offenders would be fined for violations of the new regulations

Nov 19, 2012 15:21 GMT  ·  By

Activists are protesting against a possible ban on public nudity in the city of San Francisco. If passed, the law will force San Franciscans to pay fines if they break the no-nudity regulation.

City officials are set to vote on the law on Tuesday, November 20. Children under the age of five are the only ones exempted by its provisions, ABC News informs.

According to Salon, the ordinance covers banning exposure of private body parts on public transportation vehicles, “any public street, sidewalk, street median, parklet or plaza.”

A petition is being circulated on change.org, asking the public for support in addressing the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.

“San Francisco has always been on the leading edge of new ideas and social change. Currently the City by the Bay is embroiled in a controversy about public nudity. Right now there is no law preventing public nudity in the City and County of San Francisco. Let's keep it that way!

“This important freedom has contributed to the continued success of many long-running and popular street events including Bay to Breakers, Pride, World Naked Bike Ride, Up Your Alley Street Fair, Nude In Body Freedom Demonstration and Folsom Street Fair,“ it reads.

However, lawmakers have mentioned that the ban will be lifted during parades such as the Gay Parade or the Folsom Street Fair, as special permits can be granted for these occasions.

Petitioner Mitch Hightower is also one of the plaintiffs in a suit against the city, in which a restraining order is requested, putting a pause on Tuesday's vote, until further evaluation of the cause.

If the ordinance is passed, first time offenders stand to be charged $100, a fine that doubles for the second streaking strike. A nudist on his or her third violation may be fined $500 and jailed for a year, on misdemeanor charges.