Update: The hearing went really well today! Many Free Staters attended in support, remote testimonies were well written and represented diverse perspectives - 17 were in support and 2 were opposed, and I got the sense that the committee was broadly in support 🤞

Here’s a recording of the hearing. My testimony starts at 59:27.

Next, the committee will decide whether the bill Ought to Pass or is Inexpedient to Legislate, and bring that decision before the House, which will vote on the bill.

Join get notified of the next Call to Action!

What is happening?

Two NH state representatives, Dan Hynes (R) and Ellen Read (D) have sponsored a bill to legalize toplessness in New Hampshire. The committee on Criminal Justice and Public Safety will make a recommendation on whether to pass the bill. There is a public hearing on January 19, 2023. Testimony can also be submitted remotely.

Why is this important?

An individual’s right to self-ownership and freedom of expression are fundamental. Many people enjoy being nude for fun, health, expression, art, connecting with nature, and comfort. Ironically, in the Free State of New Hampshire, government clothing mandates dictate that residents and visitors must be dressed. This makes enjoying life’s pleasures, like skinny dipping, a legal minefield, and reinforces unhealthy attitudes towards bodies.

Furthermore, depending on local laws, women can be arrested simply for being topless. Such laws are discriminatory against women. The government should not make laws that insinuate that women need to be protected from men, or that their bodies are harmful, especially to children.

There is no evidence that simple nudity is harmful, and there’s plenty of evidence to the contrary. It’s appreciated in art and legal in Vermont.

Nudity is not really illegal because it is harmful, but because some people are offended by others that act differently. What is harmful is giving in to the least tolerant people in society, and upholding the legal doctrine that offending others by being different is a crime.

How can I help?

On 01/19/2023 (Thursday) at 10:45 am in LOB 202-204, there will be a public hearing on HB160, and the public is invited to give testimony.

Testimony can also be submitted remotely. Testimony must be submitted before the date of the hearing! Fill in the following details:

Date: 01/19/2023
Committee: House Criminal Justic and Public Safety
Bill: HB160

If you are writing from out-of-state, I suggest you say why the committee should consider your opinion. One recommendation is to mention that you are much more inclined to visit or do business in New Hampshire if the laws are applied equally to all citizens, and if there are fewer laws punishing people for victimless “crimes.”

Have writer’s block? Consider asking ChatGPT for some ideas. When I prompted ChatGPT to:

write a statement in support for bill HB160, which gives women the right to be topless, mentioning that discriminatory laws criminalizing harmless behavior make me not want to visit New Hampshire.

it returned:

“HB160 is a vital piece of legislation that recognizes the importance of gender equality and individual freedom. As someone who values these principles, the current discriminatory laws criminalizing harmless behavior such as women being topless make me not want to visit New Hampshire. This bill is a crucial step towards dismantling these unjust laws and creating a more inclusive and welcoming environment for all. By passing HB160, New Hampshire can send a powerful message that discrimination will not be tolerated and that all individuals should have the freedom to make choices about their own bodies. I fully support this bill and urge legislators to vote in favor of it.”

FAQ

Q: Where can I get more information on the state of clothing laws in NH?

Citizens Court has a good summary on the current laws.

Q: Where can I find tips for testifying at legislative hearings?

https://www.nhliberty.org/home/how-to-testify/

https://www.nhcdd.nh.gov/policy/tips-and-tools-testifying-legislative-hearings