Local council faces backlash for trying to ban naturism at Corton Beach, accusing nudists of “lewd” acts and threatening police action.
The council put up a sign at Corton Beach, accusing naturists of “lewd behavior.” They threatened police action for causing offense. Nude bathing is technically legal in the UK, but laws against indecent exposure can make it tricky.
The beach’s naturist history dates back to the 70s, making it a popular destination. Coastline erosion changed things in 2009, shrinking beach space for “regular” use.
East Suffolk Council clarified things later, stating that nude sunbathing wasn’t banned there. It was also not illegal.
The recent sign, put up by the Corton Parish Council, caused an argument. It declared Corton Beach as not a naturist beach and warned against lewd acts, threatening recording and police reports for offenses.
Nigel Newman from British Naturism attended a meeting, joined by a police officer. Their aim was to support the naturist community. Newman stated that the sign was inaccurate, as naturism is lawful under national legislation.
The council maintains that the sign is correct and that they want to fight X-rated acts. These acts are beyond nude sunbathing. They say a holiday park complained about “lewd behaviour.”
A council spokesperson stated they are not targeting naturists, acknowledging that naturism is legal in the UK. British Naturism argues that the council misleads people, failing to distinguish naturism from “lewd” acts that they believe should both be stopped.
The dispute might favor naturists. The parish council might not even control the beach. East Suffolk Council has asked for the sign’s removal, citing that it lacked proper permission and was placed on council land.
A survey indicates that 14% of UK people are naturists. Police guidelines affirm that naturists have freedom of expression. However, criminal law applies if they commit sexual acts or cause alarm or distress.