‘Creepy’ Decision on Up-Skirt Filming Slammed

Family First NZ says that a discharge without conviction given to a man who filmed up a woman's dress in a Wellington department store is a ‘creepy’ decision that should concern all people who value their privacy.

“This decision by Judge Bruce Davidson is a creepy decision and sends the wrong message at a time when there is huge concern around the use of technology to breach personal privacy. With the use of smartphones, small discreet cameras are now readily available, including to perverts with no concerns about invading a person’s privacy,” says Bob McCoskrie, National Director of Family First NZ.

“The intention of the offender was clear – it was only the execution that saved full embarrassment to the victims. Women should be afforded the strongest protection possible from this type of warped behaviour.”

“We need judges to send a strong message that this type of unwanted activity will feel the full weight of the law. To discharge the offender without conviction is to minimise the offensive intent of the offender, and ignore the right to privacy of a number of victims affected in this case,” says Mr McCoskrie.

Family First is especially concerned by this decision after an alarming decision in Texas last month where the Court of Criminal Appeals, the state’s highest court for criminal matters, struck down a portion of the Improper Photography law which criminalised upskirt filming because it violated the constitutional right to free speech.

“Judge Davidson’s decision has set an unwanted precedent and put us on a dangerous path.”

ENDS

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