It’s rare that Obiter quotes legal advice from the British Naturism organisation, but in this endless heat it’s looking increasingly appropriate. The group was forced to wade (presumably without shoes) into a dispute last week prompted by a Facebook post by Surrey Police.
The boys in blue uploaded advice after being called to a neighbour dispute in which the ill-feeling between warring parties had, ahem, been laid bare.
The police wrote: ‘If you want to wander around your garden naked and you are overlooked by neighbours then you have to be careful – an Englishman’s home is not quite his castle and your garden is not exempt from the law.’
The result was days of media coverage and silly puns – and clearly the articles got under the skin (sic) of BN, which was forced to clarify its understanding of the law. The group stressed that being naked in a public place can be deemed a crime only if the naked person undressed with the intention of causing harm and distress.
It added: ‘It’s a wonderful feeling to be naked in the sunshine and fresh air. Try it, and you never know, the neighbours might decide to join you.’
Obiter will politely decline.
No comments yet