The Arizona legislature has recently approved a bill that, if passed, could have serious implications for the rights of nudists in the state. This blog post aims to raise awareness about the potential consequences of Arizona's SB1698 bill and provide guidance on how you can take action to protect the nudist community.
Background on SB1698
SB1698 is a bill that has been given to Governor Hobbs to sign. It states that if a minor views a "performance" wherein someone appears nude or semi-nude, the individual with custody of the minor at that time would be guilty of a Class 4 felony. This is punishable with fines and generally between 1 year and 3 years and 9 months in prison. However, aggravating factors, a criminal background, and certain severe types of offenses can increase the prison sentence to up to 16 years.
Additionally, the bill includes a provision (proposed § 13-3620(p)(4)(a)) that would impose a duty to report such activity, and §13-3821(a)(23) would require registration as a sex offender. Violation of any of the foregoing sections would also be a felony.
The bill's author states that the intent is to protect children, which is something we can all agree on. However, the broad language of the bill, if strictly construed and applied, could easily be used to criminalize several activities at nudist venues like Shangri La and others. Furthermore, such legislation often leads to a snowball effect, with other states jumping on board to pass similar laws.
Implications for Nudist Rights
The potential consequences of SB1698 for the nudist community are concerning. The bill's language could be used to criminalize various activities at nudist venues, such as Shangri La Ranch in New River, Arizona. These activities include "jam" sessions, the annual 5k "Bare Buns Run," water volleyball games, pickleball, karaoke, and participation in the annual "International Skinny Dip Day," which has been observed worldwide since the 1970s.
The bill's provision requiring a duty to report and sex offender registration further exacerbates the issue. If passed, SB1698 could lead to an alarming trend of similar legislation in other states, further threatening the rights of nudists across the country.
AANR-West's Call to Action
On behalf of Shangri La and AANR-West, we are asking that you call and/or email Governor Hobbs' office and ask that she veto this bill. Suggested email language may be:
Governor Hobbs: As a nudist and parent, I am respectfully asking that you veto SB1698. As this bill is written, if strictly construed and applied, SB1698 may have detrimental effects on those of us who practice non-sexual and healthy recreational nudity.
For example, Shangri La Ranch ("SLR"), a nudist resort in New River, Arizona, has several wholesome family activities which would be criminalized under the section of 1698 which adds Sec. 13-3508 to the criminal code. These events include "jam" sessions, our annual 5k "Bare Buns Run", water volleyball games, pickleball, karaoke, and our participation in the annual "International Skinny Dip Day", which has been observed worldwide since the 1970’s.
SB1698 is also problematic, as proposed § 13-3620(p)(4)(a), would impose a duty to report such activity, and §13-3821(a)(23) would require registration as a sex offender. Violation of any of the foregoing sections would also be a felony.
The Arizona nudist community contributes extensively to the local community. A recent example is the swimming lessons offered to the local children, free of charge. During this event, residents and guests at SLR were required to remain clothed, in recognition that not everyone is comfortable with nudity. Several local children were taught to swim, a potentially life-saving skill, as well as an excellent form of exercise. The swim camp is also to be recognized on Fox 10.
I fully agree with the need to protect children from harmful sexual exploitation. However, wholesome nudist activities are not harmful to children. Therefore, I sincerely urge you to veto SB1698.
Thank you.
A link to email Governor Hobbs is provided here. The proposed language above can be cut & pasted into your email, as well as modified as you see fit. If you elect to call the Governor's office, feel free to read the above into her voicemail (with any changes you agree with or feel are appropriate) or simply state that you are a nudist, you are concerned with the language of the bill, and request that she veto it.
The Importance of Nudist Community Contributions
The nudist community contributes significantly to the local community, and it's essential to recognize the difference between wholesome nudist activities and harmful exploitation. For example, Shangri La Ranch offers swimming lessons to local children free of charge. During these events, residents and guests are required to remain clothed, acknowledging that not everyone is comfortable with nudity. This initiative teaches children a potentially life-saving skill and promotes exercise. The swim camp is set to be recognized on Fox 10.
How to Take Action
Time is of the essence, as SB1698 is currently on Governor Hobbs' desk. Please take a few minutes to immediately contact the Governor to voice your opposition to this bill. You can email her using the provided link or call her office. Don't forget to spread the word and encourage others to take action as well.
Links
SB1698 (go to page 17 of the pdf): https://www.azleg.gov/legtext/56leg/1R/bills/SB1698S.pdf
Governor Hobbs: https://azgovernor.gov/office-arizona-governor/form/contact-governor-hobbs
The potential consequences of Arizona's SB1698 bill are concerning for the nudist community. It's crucial for individuals to take action and protect nudist rights by contacting Governor Hobbs and urging her to veto the bill. By raising awareness and standing up for our rights, we can help ensure the continuation of healthy, non-sexual, and recreational nudity for future generations.
