NIPPED IN THE BUD US lawmakers warn of societal decline and loss of tourism

Posted on 03/01/2016

It’s the first of March – not April – so this is no joke: Lawmakers backing a bill to criminalize women exposing their breasts in public warned Monday that failing to pass it could hurt New Hampshire's tourism industry and lead to rampant nudity across the state.

“It's a shame that some folks are more concerned with exposing their breasts in public places than they are concerned about how families and children may be impacted by being forced to experience this evolving societal behaviour,” Rep. Brian Gallagher told a legislative committee. “This is about a movement to change the values of New Hampshire society.”Gallagher is a sponsor of legislation that would make it a misdemeanour for women to show their breasts or nipples in public with “reckless disregard” for whether it would offend someone. Clothing optional beaches are relatively common these days, and it is curious that in this State whose aggressive motto proudly proclaims, “Live Free or Die,” women must be compelled to cover their bodies or face legal action. Is there nothing more important this man can find to focus on, than women’s nipples?  Well … perhaps not.It's partly a response to a “Free the Nipple” movement that led to two women being cited for going topless at a local beach last year. The bill also caused an online spat among several state legislators that drew national attention after a male lawmaker said if women want to show their breasts in public they should be OK with men wanting to “grab” them.And doesn’t that say something about the apparently lecherous male population of New Hampshire?  I would venture to suggest that there are few if any women in that State or elsewhere, who should they see an unclothed man, be impelled to grab his breasts – or anything else – regardless of size!   Opponents charge the ban violates the constitution by creating different standards for men and women.So, let’s ask the obvious, particularly when today’s males sport ever increasing breast sizes, why is it acceptable for men to go topless on the beach but not women?  What the hell is the difference? In fact, a topless beach in New Hampshire might help rather than hinder tourism.