Getting 'Huffy' Over Nude Biking
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Wed April 30 2003
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Posted Apr 29, 2003
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SEATTLE (Reuters) - A Seattle man has sued police for the right for local revelers to celebrate the arrival of spring naked and on bicycles.
In Seattle, rain-soaked citizens celebrate the return of sunshine with an annual summer solstice parade featuring traditions like samba dancers, colorful floats and -- believe it or not -- nude bicyclists.
But with officials regularly hinting they may crack down on this cheeky biking trend, a local nudity advocate has sued the police, demanding they keep their pants on while he takes his off.
Citing a Washington state law he says defines nudity as indecent only if it is likely to cause reasonable affront or alarm, David Zaitzeff says parade goers have no reason to be offended, even those who bring their children.
"Everyone who goes to that parade knows they are likely to see men and women nude bicycling or topless women," Zaitzeff told Reuters. "It's like going to an X-rated movie and saying 'Wow! There's nudity here and I'm offended.'"
For many parade-goers, the handful of stripped-down cyclists are one of the highlights and advocates say it does no harm, even to children.
"It's not going to traumatize them and wreck their life," Zaitzeff said. "Lots of parents don't mind and for those that do, their choice is to not take the child or stay home."
A Seattle Police spokeswoman could not be reached for immediate comment. Local police generally have tolerated nudity at adult events like Mardi Gras or Gay Pride festivities and typically look the other way at the solstice parade, slated this year for June 17.
Zaitzeff, who earns a living washing and waxing mobile homes, said he would draw the line on nude behavior that would threaten or frighten others.