New York Governor Andrew Cuomo is attempting to put a stop to the topless women known as “desnudas” who pose for photos with tourists in Times Square, writes Democrat and Chronicle.
The women decorate themselves with paint and patriotic US accessories and wear only thongs. They pose with visitors and charge a fee for a photo.
Posing with tourists. Image Credit: Steven Pisano (Flickr)
While some argue this is all in the name of fun, and is no different from other costumed individuals in Times Square such as the infamous Naked Cowboy, it has led to outrage for some.
Andrew Cuomo said “this activity is illegal” and “needs to be stopped.”
He also said: “This is supposed to be a tourist attraction, family friendly, the new New York symbol.”
New York Mayor Bill de Blasio and Police commissioner William Bratton share his opinion.
However, being topless in New York State is not in itself illegal. But “forceful loitering and panhandling” are.
De Blasio says:
“The women in Times Square, or the furry creatures in Times Square, are engaged in a business […] We believe that that opens the door for us to enforce the way we would any other business, and we will do so, while still respecting constitutional rights.”
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He is now proposing to remove the pedestrian areas altogether to combat this type of behavior.
There is a law within New York state that could be relevant here – Section 245.01: Exposure of a person, however it is rarely enforced.
It states:
“A person is guilty of exposure if he appears in a public place in such a manner that the private or intimate parts of his body are unclothed or exposed. For purposes of this section, the private or intimate parts of a female person shall include that portion of the breast which is below the top of the areola. This section shall not apply to the breastfeeding of infants or to any person entertaining or performing in a play, exhibition, show or entertainment.”
According to this, if the desnudas are classified as entertainers then they are within the law, but not if they are beggars.
Times Square Alliance President Tim Tompkins calls the women “aggressive” and “inappropriate”.
He said:
“The bigger issue is not really about the naked ladies, per se, but a whole series of unregulated and uncontrolled aggressive hustlers who are taking advantage of both tourists and locals in Times Square.”
One of the denudas girls, Lucky, 21, says: “I’m having fun and making good money. You can’t beat that.”
For more on this story see here.
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