Complaints lodged, police helpless as "boobs on bikes" parade happens in New Zealand

Friday, March 2, 2007

The following article contains photographs of women's exposed breasts. Viewer discretion is advised.

Today the "boobs on bikes" parade was held in Christchurch, New Zealand.

The boobs on bikes parade happens in various centres around New Zealand and is designed to kick off, and promote the Erotica Expo.

This parade caught less national media attention before the parade than the Auckland one last year as, unlike Auckland, there was no protest done by the city councillors.

Processions must be approved: Council

The Christchurch City Council released a press statement stating that they had "not approved or received an application to hold the proposed "Boobs on Bikes" parade on Friday, 2 March, from Erotica event organisers."

The press release stated that the council must be consulted for any procession that will interfere with traffic, or may require crowd management. Erotica Festival organiser Steve Crowe has brushed this off, saying that it is a promotion, not a parade, and all rules of the road will be observed.

Nudity a moral, not legal, issue

City council and organizers of the event say they have received numerous complaints about the parade, however it isn't in the city's jurisdiction to act, as female toplessness is not illegal.

Council transport and streets manager Michael Aitken told NZPA that the "standard of dress of participants is not a matter that the council can control."

Police inspector Gary Knowles commented that it was a "moral not a criminal issue. We have taken legal advice and unless there is a breach of the peace, we cannot intervene."

Photo report

Wikinews reporter Gabriel Pollard was at the parade to catch the action.

The parade approaches.
At the head of the parade, organiser Steve Crow (next to the woman) is riding along on a trike.
The rest of the parade comes along. On the left is a porn actor showing off his torso, with a female motorcycle driver.
Spectators, women as well as men, are using photo cameras, camera phones and camcorders to capture the parade.

Commons

Wikimedia Commons has more media related to:

the Boobs on Bikes parade.

Sources

Wikinews

This article features first-hand journalism by Wikinews members. See the collaboration page for more details.

Wikinews

This article features first-hand journalism by Wikinews members. See the collaboration page for more details.

"Boobs on bikes crowing" — NewsTalkZB, February 27, 2007
Press Release: ""Boobs on Bikes" parade not approved by Council" — Christchurch City Council, February 26, 2007
Nzpa. "Chch police urged to stop 'boobs on bikes'" — stuff.co.nz, February 26, 2007

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