SAN FRANCISCO – Hanging out on a street corner has taken on new meaning in San Francisco.

Several dozen men and at least one woman took part in a naked protest Saturday in an area of the Castro District neighborhood that has become known for its nude visitors. Several carried signs that read, "Nudity is Not a Crime" and "Get Your Hate Off My Body," as they milled around, undeterred by the brisk weather and light mist.

San Francisco generally allows public nudity, but a city supervisor has proposed regulating the practice. Supervisor Scott Wiener's proposal would require the clothing-averse to cover up in restaurants. It would also require nudists to put a cloth or other barrier under their bottoms if they take a seat in public.


Mitch Hightower, the organizer of the so-called "nude-in," said it was not intended as a protest against the proposal. The goal, Hightower said, was to promote acceptance of the human body no matter what shape or form it comes in.

"The people out here believe there is nothing indecent or offensive about the human body," he said.

The event, which had been scheduled before Wiener's proposal was announced, was part of the unofficial celebrations leading up to the annual Folsom Street Fair, billed as the world's largest leather and fetish event.

Some of the protesters say elements of Wiener's proposal weren't necessary. For instance, putting down a towel is already etiquette among nudists, said George Davis, 65, who wore a black fanny pack, a fake lei and sandals at the nude-in.

"As nudists, why do we have to go to a special beach or a special resort?" Davis asked. "Why can't we just go to a park, which we're doing today?"

Passersby mostly seemed amused by the demonstration. Some stopped to take photographs with the naked men.

"It doesn't bother me in the least," said Michael Zaverton, who was visiting from Cleveland.

Zaverton, 58, said he has gone to a nude beach. Still, he hesitated as he considered whether he would participate in a more public display like the nude-in.

"It takes a little more courage `cause most of these guys, let's admit it, are not body-beautiful," he joked.

But Heather Flynn was not as amused. The Oakland resident, who was heading to a nearby screening of "The Little Mermaid" with her 7-year-old daughter, walked by briskly.

"When you're at the corner of a kid's event, I think you should cover up a little," Flynn, 27, said.

Her daughter, Blanca, was more blunt. She scrunched up her face as she said the nudists should definitely put some clothes on.

Read more: http://www.foxnews.com/us/2011/09/24/san-francisco-protesters-stage-naked-nude-in/#ixzz1YvrnOgO6

That should be a felony, especially right there by a childrens event. These people are no different then animals.

just homos advertising for new "friends"... disgusting...

More thn disgusting. I know if a child see's another adult in public here naked they will have to register as a sex offender. Hell, if some nakd dude approached me like that e would either get pepper spayed or hit with my taser.

taser his wiener...

Would you have a problem if it were straight people who were nude?

That would be awesome!

I have a problem with it no matter who it is!

Just checking :).

You should know by now I don't have a problem with gay people.

It was a valid question, since you posted about gay people.

Once again, some right-wingers are disgusted about something. About once a day, isn't it? Whatever sinks your boat, I guess. Tender sensitivities.

men do not need to be neked in public... no sausage on the sidewalks

once again, a liberal worrying about someone else...and you know i'm not right wing, i just hate the looney left...you can take your kids and watch the naked guys dance on the streets, whatever floats your gay bottom boat...

On our way to a society where nothing is 'private' or distasteful

I think there are places where only adults go that nudity shouldnt be a big deal, but noplace that is public where children are

I dont want to have be forced to have my child see such thing,,,

That wasn't me.............

So?

If I wanted a steady diet of Faux News, I would watch it on TV.

then try another post, fox news is just like any other news, regardless what you seem to think...

That doesn't even pass the giggle test.