Gordon Copeland Press Release
For Immediate Release
Wednesday, 1st October 2008

MP calls for Council rethink on nudity

The Kiwi Party candidate for Rongotai, Gordon Copeland today called on the Wellington City Council to revisit its decision to repeal the bylaw which prohibited nudity on Wellington’s beaches for those over 8 years of age.

“The eradication of that bylaw, I am advised, got caught up in a major revision and rewrite of the City’s existing bylaws,” said Mr Copeland.

“I think it likely that Councillor’s minds were not completely focussed on this issue in those circumstances. In Parliament we call it ‘the law of unintended consequences’ and it is not infrequently the case that when the real effects of a seemingly innocuous law change come to light, amending legislation is the only responsible response.”

“I think that is exactly the situation the Wellington City Council now finds itself in, hence my call for this matter to be revisited to protect the welfare of our children and their families. This is particularly urgent given the wide publicity which is now being given to this issue.”

“I accept that it is technically the case that adults undressing on Wellington’s beaches may have a policeman turn up because a member of the public has lodged a complaint, but that is not the same as the previous absolute prohibition of nudity for those over 8 years of age.”

“It is really just a matter of commonsense.”

ENDS

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