Naturists in Britain will remain free to bare all without fear of arrest after a sex crime law that is making its way through parliament was altered by the government, the Home Office said yesterday. Ministers amended the Sexual Offences Bill by removing the word "reckless" from a clause that otherwise tightens the law on indecent exposure. With the new wording, the Home Office said, the law would apply only to those who "intentionally expose their genitals knowing or intending that someone will see them and be caused alarm or distress." The word "reckless" was intended to crack down on people such as flashers, but naturists said it could also hinder their "natural way of life".
| I dunno... If I was walking around with my gennies exposed, I don't think I'd want to be "reckless." That could hurt... |
"We believe this change will reassure naturists about practising their entirely legitimate lifestyle," a Home Office spokeswoman said. Some 500,000 people in Britain enjoy going around naked, either at naturist venues such as beaches or in the privacy of their own homes and gardens, estimates British Naturism, a lobby group.
| "Alright, buddy! You got a license for that doinker?" |
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