A Topeka city committee has declined to take action on a proposed public nudity ban that is headed to the City Council for consideration.
The council’s Public Health and Safety Committee voted 3-0 Tuesday to make no recommendation on whether public nudity should become a misdemeanor offense. Committee members say the council should make the decision.
The issue arose after a man was seen walking nude in south central Topeka earlier this year. The proposed ban wouldn’t apply to children under age 10 or breastfeeding women. Violators could face up to 30 days in jail and a fine of between $1 and $499.
Public nudity isn’t banned by state law or Topeka ordinance, though state law prohibits it in the context of sexual arousal.
It’s unclear when the council will consider the issue.
