Brattleboro tries again for nudity ban

BRATTLEBORO, Vt. (AP) -- The Selectboard is trying again to craft an anti-nudity ordinance, and is asking the town's lawyer to clarify some details.

A temporary ordinance banning nudity recently expired and the town wants to enact a permanent one. First, it must decide whether appearing nude in public should be a civil offense punishable by a fine or a criminal offense.

Making it criminal could "create a major political issue," said Board member Dora Bouboulis.

"I have visions of people being Tasered and pepper sprayed because they are refusing to go and they are naked," Bouboulis said.

The issue first came up in 2006, when young people started congregating naked in a downtown parking lot. The phenomenon got national attention, and Brattleboro has become something of a magnet for people who enjoy going nude in public.

"I don't think people want the town to get known for nudity," said Town Manager Barbara Sondag. It's important for the board to do what it's doing, trying to write an ordinance that will send a clear message that (nudity) is not OK."

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Information from: Brattleboro Reformer