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".
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