naturism
Nudists in Florida Fear Proposed Legislation Could Criminalize Their Activities
Florida nudists fear proposed legislation targeting drag shows and massage parlors could threaten their legal activities.
Nudist in Florida are concerned about proposed legislation that could potentially affect their activities. The bills in question, SB1438/HB1423 and SB1338/HB615, were seemingly intended to regulate drag shows and massage establishments but could be used against naturists. Lobbyist Ramon Maury, who represents several nudist organizations, warns that the bills have the potential to impact performances and spas at nudist resorts and clubs.
Florida is home to four clothing-optional beaches and dozens of private nudist clubs and resorts. These facilities are popular among tourists, attracting 1.2 million visitors a year to Haulover Beach Park alone. Pasco County, where the 200-acre Lake Como nudist resort is located, is considered a nude mecca.
Nudists fear that some activities they do naked, which they see as healthy, freeing, and non-sexual, could be unfairly criminalized. The bills, if passed, could criminalize any presentation in front of a live audience that depicts or simulates nudity and prohibit sexual activity on the premises of massage establishments. Lobbyist Ramon Maury warns that the bills could be used against naturists who engage in activities, such as performances and spa treatments, that are currently allowed.
Florida law already covers lewdness and indecent exposure, which criminalizes being naked “in a vulgar or indecent manner” but exempts anyone breastfeeding or “merely naked at any place provided or set apart for that purpose.” Nudists fear that the proposed legislation could be used to unfairly target them despite being engaged in legal activities.
Activist Shirley Mason, who fought to establish a clothing-optional beach in Haulover Beach Park in 1994, founded the B.E.A.C.H.E.S. Foundation for nudists to build good relationships with governments, businesses, and the public. She warns that in today’s polarized political climate, with right-wing religious groups seeking to curtail nudism, nudists need to be vigilant to protect their rights.
Read the story here:
https://www.axios.com/local/miami/2023/04/27/florida-nudists-concerned-proposed-legislation
https://clothesfree.com/f/nudists-concerned-over-proposed-legislation-nudist-video-game
