A conservative lobby group has laid a formal complaint
against Auckland's controversial Boobs on Bikes parade.
Family First NZ laid the complaint with police today against
the parade which is planned for Auckland's Queen St in
August. National director of Family First NZ Bob McCoskrie
said he was calling on the police to enforce the law and
prevent offensive actions happening in a public place.
"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."
The parade drew thousands of people last year, as an
assortment of porn stars, erotic dancers, models and a few
drag queens, exposed their breasts downtown.
Mr McCoskrie said the event was in breach of the Crimes Act.
"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 knew and accepted it was indecent and
inappropriate to be topless in a public place, which was why
there was no acceptance of such behaviour in schools,
workplaces, retail shops or public gatherings, he said.
"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."
The parade, which last year had council approval, was
organised by then Auckland mayoral candidate Steve Crow to
promote the Erotica Expo, an event which organisers described
as "not only about live stage shows and jelly wrestling".
Don't you mean Eves on Horses?
Life today is not what it used to be in the past, we all know that. For those who've lived in the past, well before AIDS was an Epic, The Era hopefully never to be repeated - we can honestly say education is the one & only resource we have left, as being parents & teachers to our kids & to their kids. We all have jobs to do in life. Do we really need to argue or debate on issues where "One man's actions is another man's business!" I think not. I'm not saying to turn a blind eye, but keep an open mind.
Steve Crow had a vision. Was there supposed to be a meaning behind his intention? Let's hope.
BooBs on Bikes from Aucklander
I am from Auckland, but would NEVER set foot near something that is so obviously a plan to increase the coffers of its owner - Mr Crow.
Where do you get off telling us, that are against this event, that we are insecure? When living in an adult world we we have decisions (as adults) to make all the time. Our biggest decisions are keeping the adult content out our of our kids lives - promoting BooBs on Bikes at 6pm is not being a responsible adult is it?
This event needs be kept where it should be - behind doors for the adults that pay to view the 'merchandise'. It's not about living in the Dark Ages as you put it - it's about removing the blatant advertisement of the 'girls' through promotion and encouragement of getting all the pubescent males involved (age no problem). It promotes behaviour from some misogynistic males to refer to women as 'bit*hes which is of course directly related to this event as I found it in a blog!
Complaint against Boobs on Bikes parade
From the little I've seen on the news - not living in Auckland - most of the women in the last parade seemed happy to be in the event and delighted at the attention they were getting. They choose to be there , they were in control of their own actions . How is that degrading women ? What about the guys in the parade , or can only woman be degraded if they are involved in this parade ?
I also would have thought Family First NZ would be in favour of breasts ... most mothers have them don't they ? Seems odd they feel the need to protect families from the sight of them.
The rhetoric of choice
I love the use of 'choice' as an argument for human beings' actions for at least two reasons!
A) It is highly contentious as to whether we truly choose or whether society/identity (based on socialisation) acts as power 'guiding us' in our apparently voluntary and individual choices.
and...
B) Why is choice a justification for something that (arguably) a significant subsection in society rejects/ is uneasy about/ feels offended by etc.? Would we condone or applaud other acts, such as murder, rape or any other crimes or offenses just because those engaging in these acts 'choose' to do so?
Boobs on Bikes Parade protest
I would like to hear from anyone organising or willing to help me organise a protest against the Auckland Boobs on Bikes parade.
Come on women!!! It's about time we stood up against the denigration of women.
This parade dehumanises women to nothing more than pieces of meat!!!
Women through the ages have fought hard to have rights and equality. This inappropriate display hurts the image of ALL women, placing them back into the dark ages!!
Often we don't act as we don't know where to start or what to do...so TAKE A STAND... and make a difference.
If you know of anything or I hear of anything organised I will repost the information here.
Boobs on Bikes should be televised
A naked body denigrates, dehumanises, and is an inappropriate and hurtful image? If you are uncomfortable about sexuality that is your problem. Where do the minority such as yourself get the idea that it is okay to push your own insecurities onto others?? It would be good to see Boobs on Bikes televised. We need to take a stand to show that most of us are comfortable; and do not live in the dark ages about sex.