MEDIA RELEASE
30 July 2008

Formal Police Complaint Made Against Boobs on Bikes Parade

Family First NZ has laid a formal complaint with the Police against the planned Boobs on Bikes Parade due to happen in Auckland’s Queen St in August.

“We are calling on the police to enforce the law and prevent offensive actions happening in a public place,” says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ.

“This parade is an advertisement for the porn industry which is simply a business, with no regard for the welfare and protection of families who are exposed to offensive aspects of the parade. It is certainly not a charitable family-friendly event like the Santa Parade or a sports event or celebration.”

“This planned event will be in breach of Section 125 of the Crimes Act which clearly states that it is a crime to ‘wilfully (do) any indecent act in any place to which the public have or are permitted to have access, or within view of any such place,”

“It will also now be in breach of a new bylaw just passed by the Auckland City Council (Bylaw 20.6.9 - Public Places 2008) banning public events likely to be offensive.”

“Most New Zealanders know and accept that it is indecent and inappropriate to be topless in a public place – which is why there is no acceptance of that behaviour in schools, workplaces, retail shops or public gatherings,” says Mr McCoskrie.

“For those who stand for decency in public, and who seek to protect families and children, we argue strongly that a parade during lunchtime down a major street will cause widespread offence to families and children who may be there for completely unrelated matters, and as it is a highly public area, is therefore illegal and should be stopped by the police.”

ENDS

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