gonzo
08-09-2006, 12:14 AM
AUCKLAND (AFP) - Topless porn stars have been given permission to parade through the main street of New Zealand’s biggest city on the grounds that they will not be breaking any nudity laws.
About 30 porn stars are expected to take part in the “Boobs on Bikes” parade along Auckland’s Queen Street later this month, the New Zealand Herald reported Tuesday.
The parade, which will have an official police escort, is to promote an erotica expo.
The Auckland City Council’s events and promotions manager, Annabel Lush, noted the parade “may cause concern and offence to a number of people as the parade will include several topless women.”
But she said it was not illegal to be topless in Queen Street. As long as the parade met traffic requirements it was the democratic right of the organiser to stage it, she said.
However, a number of city councillors are not amused and want the decision overturned.
Councillor Noelene Raffills said the parade was outside the norms of what was acceptable and anyone in Queen Street at the time would see it.
“It is not like a television set you can turn off or a book you can shut,” she said.
Police Inspector Terry Van Dillen said the issue was one of “common sense.”
“There are obviously laws against nudity in public, but there has to be some intent (to offend) as well.”
About 30 porn stars are expected to take part in the “Boobs on Bikes” parade along Auckland’s Queen Street later this month, the New Zealand Herald reported Tuesday.
The parade, which will have an official police escort, is to promote an erotica expo.
The Auckland City Council’s events and promotions manager, Annabel Lush, noted the parade “may cause concern and offence to a number of people as the parade will include several topless women.”
But she said it was not illegal to be topless in Queen Street. As long as the parade met traffic requirements it was the democratic right of the organiser to stage it, she said.
However, a number of city councillors are not amused and want the decision overturned.
Councillor Noelene Raffills said the parade was outside the norms of what was acceptable and anyone in Queen Street at the time would see it.
“It is not like a television set you can turn off or a book you can shut,” she said.
Police Inspector Terry Van Dillen said the issue was one of “common sense.”
“There are obviously laws against nudity in public, but there has to be some intent (to offend) as well.”