Canadian naturists challenge nudity law
FCN launches letter-writing campaign asking Ottawa to formally review Section 174 of the Criminal Code
The Federation of Canadian Naturists (FCN) is calling on the Canadian government to review its nudity law, according to a press release that went out on the Globe Newswire today (Oct. 11).
It is encouraging its members as well as “friends and allies to take part in our letter-writing campaign,” it says on the FCN website, where it also has a position statement on Section 174 of the Criminal Code — which they describe as “overly broad, socially outdated and does not recognize cultural diversity.”
The FCN offers instructions on what to include in the letter as well as who to send it to. The campaign will continue until Oct. 28.
In the press release, the FCN says “Unlike other laws in the Criminal Code that are reviewed every few years, Section 174 has not been given a formal review in at least 60 years. As a result, they feel that the law no longer reflects the sensibilities of modern Canadians, or our multicultural society.”
This campaign follows a petition earlier this year that urged Ottawa to repeal Section 174 of the Criminal Code. It garnered 1,760 signatures (I signed it). But as the FCN points out on its website, “this strong show of public support does not guarantee that the House of Commons will respond to this petition in any meaningful way. In fact, many petitions presented to Parliament do not result in any government action.”
So they are now hoping to build on the momentum of that petition with a letter-writing campaign.
If you’re Canadian, check it out.
Related links
Naturists challenge nudity laws through a nation-wide initiative
Letter-writing campaign to review Section 174 of the Criminal Code
I wish Canadians good luck in achieving better recognition of the right to live naked.
In legal terms we in the UK have long had the right to be nude in public. However, the understanding of the relevant laws by all parties was frequently wrong, even among long-time naturists. The laws were clarified in 2019, yet some elements of the 'authorities' and public still do not understand them. I'd say that there is now a slightly better understanding among the wider public that we can be nude in public. Yet, there is still much education and publicity needed on the subject. It is not unknown for nudists to hear from those so minded to hiss at them "you shouldn't be naked in front of my children/partner" etc at long established nude locations with sign-posting near by to indicate that nudity can be expected there.
Wider recognition of our freedom to live nude is a long and slow process it seems. But there are far more places here now that understand there is a market where the naked pound will get spent by nudists wishing to visit restaurants, pubs, gardens, galleries, bowling venues, than there was a few years ago.
Good luck to Canadians and all other nationalities in removing the barriers to anyone removing clothing where they want to be naked.
Establishing a political presence for body freedom advocates is an important first step even if they are not successful this time. There is no compelling government interest or justification to control the bodies of citizens when no actual harm to other citizens is being prevented.