Naked Protesters Arrested As SF Public Nudity Ban Goes Into Effect
SAN FRANCISCO (CBS SF) - Police have arrested four naked people protesting San Francisco's nudity ban on the steps of City Hall.
The arrests on Friday came as the city's prohibition on going out in the buff took effect.
About a dozen people in various states of undress took to the streets as part of the protest, though only the fully nude were taken into custody.
The ordinance, which prohibits nudity on city streets, sidewalks, plazas and other public spaces, was initially passed 6-5 during the board's Nov. 20 meeting and was finalized in December by the same vote. Both votes were interrupted when protesters began stripping off clothing inside the meeting.
Organizers of Friday's protest said they expect to be cited so that they can then claim their right to protest is being violated.
Violators of the ordinance would face initial fines of $100 that would increase for additional offenses.
The ban allows exceptions for street fairs, parades and other permitted public events and does not apply to children under 5 years old.
Earlier this week, a judge ruled this week that nudity was not protected free speech and dismissed a lawsuit by the nudists trying to overturn the ban.
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