Rare Common Sense: November 2003 Archives

Home Secretary David Blunkett is likely to scrap a controversial clause in the Sexual Offences Bill which criminalised naturism, even on naturist beaches.

The original wording of clause 67b of the Bill, which will this week have its third reading in Parliament, stipulated that a person commits an offence if he exposes his genitals and ' knows or intends that someone will see them...'.

As naturists obviously 'know' that others on designated nudist campsites and beaches can see them, the clause caused alarm. Those found guilty of causing such an offence could have faced prison for up to two years.

The clause would also have criminalised Pagans who worship skyclad outdoors. Blunkett lets naturists off hook - The Observer, 2nd November 2003.