Some towns in Vermont have enacted anti-nudity ordinances in their respective towns to effectively
ban the proliferation of "strip clubs". These overbroad ordinances threaten the use of traditional
skinnydipping areas and cause fear of prosecution. It's time for Vermont to protect it's skinnydipping reputation.
Skinnydipping has always been a Vermont tradition. Many Vermonters and visitors to our state enjoy swimming or
sunbathing without the confines of clothing. Skinnydipping and nude sunbathing has been shown
to be healthy for the body and mind.
Many towns in Vermont have enacted anti-nudity ordinances to keep out the "strip clubs" that have tried so many times to make their way into our communities. These ordinances against nudity are overbroad and far reaching. Because these ordinances were created without any thought to traditional skinnydipping, they have caused skinnydipping to become illegal in those towns.
We wish to continue to choose our attire of choice when it comes to swimming and sunbathing within the
State of Vermont.
Therefore, the people of the State of Vermont request an expanded memorandum, similiar to the one issued by
former Senator Patrick Leahy, copy below, from Governor Douglas that exempts skinnydipping
from being a crime even within towns that have enacted anti-nudity ordinances.
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Patrick J. Leahy's memorandum:
TO: ALL POLICE DEPARTMENTS FROM: CHITTENDEN COUNTY STATE'S ATTORNEY, PATRICK J. LEAHY (BURLINGTON) RE: UNCLOTHED PUBLIC OR SEMI-PUBLIC BATHING DATE: JULY 7, 1971
1. In public areas (e.g. North Beach in Burlington) and semi-public areas: Nude bathing is not acceptable. In such instances, the officer receiving the complaint should order the person to dress. Failure to stay clothed should result in a summons to Court.
2. On private land out of view of the public: The State has no legitimate interest and swimmers should be left alone.
3. In secluded areas sometimes publicly used (e.g. rivers, swimming holes, etc.): If no member of the public present is offended, no disorderly conduct has taken place. If members of the public (e.g. families wishing to use the swimming area) complain, then proceed as in No.1 above.
We, the undersigned, request that an official memorandum or executive order be issued by Governor Douglas,
declaring that skinnydipping in the State of Vermont is legal even within the jurisdiction of the towns that
have anti-nudity ordinances in effect.
