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SF Supes Approve Nudity Ban

The final battle over private parts in public view.

By Chris Roberts

| Tuesday, Nov 20, 2012 | Updated 6:09 PM PDT

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San Francisco supervisors are expected to vote Tuesday on a much-publicized nuditiy ban. Bob Redell reports.

SF Supes Vote Today on Nudity Ban

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San Francisco supervisors approved a much-publicized nudity ban Tuesday.

The vote was close, but 6 to 5 was enough for the ban to pass. It will need a second reading and another approval majority vote before it becomes final.

The issue was sparked by a group of dedicated nudists in the city's Castro District, where shopkeepers, parents, and proponents of decency say they had had enough.

The ban says people can't show "genitals, perineum or anal region" in public.

Supervisor Scott Wiener is the legislation's sponsor. Violations of the ban would risk a $100 fine, repeat violations could lead to a $500 fine and a year in jail, according to reports.

People could still be naked on special events like gay pride and the Folsom Street Fair. But on a typical Monday? No way.

Opponents of the ban say that their freedom and rights would infringed. Worse yet, they say that San Francisco is being violated as a haven where a free spirit can thrive freely.

When the board took the issue to vote, supervisors John Avalos, David Campos, Jane Kim, Eric Mar and Christina Olague opposed the ban. About four protesters seated in the board chambers immediately pulled off their clothing and bared all when the ordinance passed while others booed and yelled out "Down with Scott Wiener!"

Sheriff's deputies with blankets escorted two naked men and two bare-breasted women out of board chambers after the vote. The passage of the ordinance will be finalized at the board's next meeting on Dec. 4.

The ordinance is scheduled to take effect on Feb. 1, 2013, or 30 days after Mayor Ed Lee signs the legislation. It will establish fines that start at $100 and rise for additional offenses within a year. Violators of the ban will not be required to register as sex offenders.