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Naked Protesters Disrupt Final Vote To Uphold San Francisco Nudity Ban

SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) - A ban on nudity in San Francisco was given final approval by the city's Board of Supervisors Tuesday in a raucous meeting at which several people stripped naked in board chambers.

The ordinance, which will prohibit nudity on city streets, sidewalks, plazas and other public spaces, was initially passed 6-5 during the board's Nov. 20 meeting and was approved again Tuesday afternoon by the same vote.

Supervisor Jane Kim initially gave the legislation a seventh vote of support but later rescinded her vote, saying she had been distracted and accidentally voted yes.

Supervisors John Avalos, David Campos, Eric Mar and Christina Olague were the other four supervisors to oppose the ban.

Several men and women stripped down after the first vote Tuesday afternoon and began yelling at the supervisors. They were led out of board chambers by sheriff's deputies, who draped blankets over them since public nudity is not allowed at City Hall.

KCBS' Chris Filippi Reports:

One protester was taken into custody for resisting arrest, according to Christina DiEdoardo, the attorney representing the group of nudists.

Once the legislation is signed by Mayor Ed Lee, who has expressed support for it, it will take effect on Feb. 1.

It allows exceptions for street fairs, parades and other permitted public events and does not apply to children under 5 years old.

Opponents of the ban have filed a lawsuit seeking to block the legislation on constitutional grounds, and that case is still pending in court.

Violators of the ordinance would face initial fines of $100 that would increase for additional offenses.

(Copyright 2012 by CBS San Francisco and Bay City News Service. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.)

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