In regards to my previous post about the nude cyclists getting arrested (see article here), there are no laws in Washington prohibiting nudity. However, according to Parks and Recreation spokeswoman Dewey Potter (the cyclists had to get park permits for the ride; those approving the permits knew about the nudity):
“In the state of Washington, it’s not illegal to be nude, per se,” Potter said. “What’s illegal is to provoke someone or upset them in some way.”
Um, so being “offended” is cause for getting someone arrested? Like that’s a good idea, huh.
Of course, then there is “indecent exposure” which is illegal:
RCW 9A.88.010
Indecent exposure.
(1) A person is guilty of indecent exposure if he or she intentionally makes any open and obscene exposure of his or her person or the person of another knowing that such conduct is likely to cause reasonable affront or alarm.
An annual nude bicycle ride hardly qualifies. I suppose the three could have been lecherously flashing people, but I personally find that unlikely. Why those three and not the others? When we passed the group in Seward Park none were unclothed, so I presume they were threatened by the authorities. Given all the public commentary I have read, a lot of people think it *is* illegal to be nude in public, but one would hope the police know better.