Don't go having an opinion now

[Blog of Reason]

Discussion thread for the blog entry "Don't go having an opinion now" by rabbitpirate.

Permalink: http://blog.leagueofreason.org.uk/reason/dont-go-having-an-opinion-now/

 

[Sarge084]

Funny that the POA should come up in the freedom of speech arena, as a naturist I've been all to well aware of the misuse of the POA, and several police forces have had cases thrown out by CPS for using it in regard to non-sexual nudity. The best known case (Among nudists worldwide.) is Steve Gough, the Naked Rambler, who is entering his third year in prison for simply being naked.

Last year some friends undertook a charity walk, they told the police beforehand that they were doing it entirely naked, the response was more police officers than walkers, and thousands of pounds of taxpayers money wasted. One participant refused to cover up when told to by a PCO, he was arrested, but the charges were later dropped when the CPS said there was no case. The whole farcical operation was the subject of a Police Complaints Commission investigation.

Abusing the catch all POA by the police is something that naturists are used to, but a well informed person will know how to deal with it, sadly even lawyers are quite unaware that nudity, as defined under the Sexual Offences Act 2003 isn't illegal, for SOA to be applied an indecent act or intent to shock has to be proved.