NAC Update - Brattleboro, VT
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NATURIST ACTION COMMITTEE
UPDATE
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http://www.naturistaction.org
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Copyright 2007 by the Naturist Action Committee, which is responsible
for its content. Permission is granted for the posting, forwarding or
redistribution of this message, provided that it is reproduced in its
entirety and without alteration.
DATE : August 23, 2007
SUBJECT: Brattleboro, VT
TO : All Naturists
Dear Naturist,
This is an Update from the Naturist Action Committee concerning
Brattleboro, Vermont.
BRIEF HISTORY AND DISCUSSION
After receiving complaints from town residents and business owners
concerning public nudity, Brattleboro’s Selectboard adopted an
“emergency” temporary ordinance that prohibits nudity in the downtown
area, in the town park, in the village of West Brattleboro, and also
within 250 feet of a school or place of worship. The Selectboard enacted
this ordinance by a margin of 3 to 2 and considered making this ordinance
permanent at their meeting on the evening of Aug. 21.
At the meeting, Brattleboro residents spoke in favor and in opposition to
the ordinance, and the Selectboard debated the issue at length. One
Selectboard member proposed an amendment to the ordinance, removing all
references to buttocks and breasts, which passed by a vote of 3-2. In an
ironic twist, the Selectboard member who sponsored the ordinance refused
to vote in favor of making the amended ordinance permanent. As a result,
the ordinance failed to pass, 2-3.
While this outcome may seem to be a victory for naturists and proponents
of personal freedom, the decision is not final. The temporary ordinance
banning public nudity is still in effect, and will not expire for another
month. At that time, the Selectboard may reconsider the ordinance and
decide whether or not to make it permanent.
WHAT IS NAC DOING?
The Naturist Action Committee has been working to organize and support
Brattleboro residents who oppose the ordinance and will speak against
making the ordinance permanent.
NAC board member Virginia Schnee has made three trips to Brattleboro,
including attendance at the two most recent meetings of the Selectboard.
Additionally, she has provided NAC’s support to local residents in the
form of talking points and brochures to distribute.
WHAT IS NAC ASKING YOU TO DO?
This is an Update. NAC is asking that you NOT take action at this time.
NAC is asking that you attend future Selectboard meetings ONLY if you are
a resident of Brattleboro. Any participation from naturists outside of
Brattleboro or surrounding Vermont towns, no matter how well intentioned,
may not be appreciated by the Selectboard and could seriously jeopardize
the carefully organized efforts of NAC to support local residents.
MORE INFORMATION AND RESOURCES
Additional information and links are available, along with this NAC
Update, on the web site of the Naturist Action Committee.
Select “Alerts” and find this NAC Update under Current Updates.
PLEASE HELP NAC TO CONTINUE HELPING NATURISTS!
The Naturist Action Committee is a volunteer nonprofit organization that
exists to advance and protect the rights of naturists throughout North
America. Identifying and fighting bad local lawmaking is necessary, but
it’s expensive. To do its job, NAC relies entirely on the voluntary
generosity of supporters like you. To donate to NAC, use the address
below:
NAC
PO Box 132
Oshkosh, WI 54903
Or call toll free (800) 886-7230 to donate by phone using your
MasterCard, Visa or Discover Card.
Or use your credit card to make a convenient online donation:
http://www.naturistaction.org/donate/
Thank you for choosing to make a difference.
Naturally,
Virginia Schnee
Board Member
Naturist Action Committee
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Naturist Action Committee (NAC) - PO Box 132, Oshkosh, WI 54903
Executive Dir. Bob Morton - execdir@naturistaction.org
Board Member Virginia Schnee - virginia@schnee.com
Online Rep. Dennis Kirkpatrick - naturist@sunclad.com
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