'Breasts Not Bombs' Group Seeks Protection

(Sacramento, California) In an effort to translate ogling into support for a political cause, an anti-war group is seeking court protection.

From the SacBee.com:

Mendocino County women who have been baring their breasts at various venues to protest the war in Iraq are in Sacramento federal court seeking an order prohibiting the California Highway Patrol from arresting them during a planned noon demonstration Monday at the Capitol.

The women's group, Breasts Not Bombs, is suing CHP Commissioner Mike Brown and two of his officers over a warning that if the women demonstrate while topless, they will be arrested and charged with indecent exposure and disorderly conduct.

The group claims it also was warned by the CHP that if its members are convicted of indecent exposure they may have to register as sex offenders.

In its motion before the court, the group's San Francisco attorney, Matthew Kumin, stated that, in essence, if they can't take their shirts off, nobody shows up and listens to the women. U.S. District Judge Garland E. Burrell Jr. will rule on a temporary restraining order preventing the arrest of Breasts Not Bombs members.


[Update 11/05/05]

U.S. District Judge Garland E. Burrell Jr. ruled that there is "no First Amendment right to bare breasts on the grounds of the state Capitol" and refused to restrain California Highway Patrol officers from arresting the 'Breasts Not Bombs' babes if they take their shirts off. Sherry Glaser, a member of BNB and its spokeswoman, said the group would have to discuss what they'll do now that their arrests are possible.