By Alan Johnson
Copyright dailyrecord
A man who ventured into a nudist spot has voiced his ‘disappointment’ on social media, after the bizarre experience took him by surprise. Posting on Reddit, he shared a photo of a warning notice he encountered in the area, complete with legislative details . It read: “You may enjoy encounter naturists enjoying this area naked today. Simple public nudity is not illegal in England and Wales.” The sign also featured links to nudist and naturist legislation , accessible by scanning QR codes. “Alas, I didn’t,” he joked, seemingly frustrated it had proved to be a quiet day in the world of public exposure . However, he subsequently added: “But really, I’m quite glad I didn’t.” According to the College of Policing , naturists possess a right to freedom of expression which only involves criminal law if they commit sexual offences or engage in disorderly behaviour they intend to or are aware may be disorderly within the hearing or sight of a person likely to be caused harassment, alarm or distress. It states: “Naturism is defined by British Naturism as a ‘philosophical belief in a natural, naked lifestyle wherein persons espouse nudity as part or possibly all of their lifestyle’. Whilst many restrict their activities to their own private property or in clubs, many use beaches which are known as ‘naturist beaches’. “Others engage in rambling in country areas and national parks, leisure areas and public spaces. There is no legal power to designate particular areas or otherwise.” After researching the legislation, one Reddit user asked: “So I can legally sunbathe naked in the middle of Hyde Park?” The original poster responded: “Yes, as long as you don’t intend to cause offence. Was the legality question all that was holding you back?” Another shared their past experience of the lifestyle choice: “I bathed naked in an area that’s popular for that sort of thing, it’s also quite popular with tourists… anyway I was completely oblivious just enjoying the nice cold water on a hot summer day but my boyfriend noticed a family of American tourists that were absolutely furious! “He told me the mum was dragging her kids away absolutely enraged and saying they shouldn’t have gone there. The dad was embarrassed and the kids were confused and the youngest one was crying.” The original poster retorted: “Yeah, some Americans are quite happy at the number of everyday shootings in their society, but don’t dare expose a female nipple in their vicinity.” Meanwhile, a third Reddit user declared: “We are such prudes as a nation.” Others concurred, including one individual who noted: “Very true. It’s sad, human bodies are beautiful. Sagging, wrinkles and all. It’s healthy to actually see what ageing looks like so we’re not shocked and appalled by it. “I try to be happy my body is still here, ticking away and carrying me around. I can find beauty in trees, hills, rocks, wilting flowers, the sea. Why should human bodies be any different? We’re part of nature. And we’re not here for long. It’s better to try and appreciate it!” In Scotland , the legislation regarding nudity is as follows: “Public nudity does not constitute a specific criminal offence. Each instance must be taken on its own merit with the time, place and whether any member of the public can reasonably be said to have been placed in a state of fear and alarm. “Officers must act in accordance with our principles of proportionality, fairness and respect for Human Rights. Where a complaint is received of person or persons, naked in a public place the offences which may have been committed include: Breach of the Peace; Sec 8 of the Sexual Offences (Scotland) Act 2009; Public indecency.”
