VA 2004 HB 158 01-08-04



	NAC Advisory Virginia House Bill 158 January 8, 2004

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******************************************************************** NATURIST ACTION COMMITTEE ADVISORY ****************************************************************** http://www.naturistsociety.com/NAC ****************************************************************** DATE : January 8, 2004 SUBJECT: Virginia legislation TO : All naturists Dear Naturist, A member of the Virginia House of Delegates has prefiled a bill that would forbid nude youth camps of the type operated by the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR). Delegate John S. "Jack" Reid (R-Richmond) is presently the sole patron for House Bill 158. Reid's measure would deny an operating license to "the owner or lessee of any hotel, summer camp or campground in this Commonwealth that maintains, or conducts as any part of its activities, a nudist camp for juveniles. A 'nudist camp for juveniles' is defined to be a hotel, summer camp or campground that is attended by openly nude juveniles whose parents or legal guardians are not in attendance." BACKGROUND This situation is the latest in an ongoing series of repercussions that can be traced to a New York Times newspaper article published this past summer. The article, which featured details of an AANR nude youth camp in Florida, was not an unauthorized exposé. Rather, it has been described by AANR officials as a "tightly managed" public relations effort. The article ignited a fierce backlash this past summer among conservative pundits and Republican lawmakers, the most notable of whom was Congressman Mark Foley of Florida. BEYOND FLORIDA In addition to its focus on the Florida nude youth camp, the New York Times article mentioned similar camps in Virginia and Arizona. It also included an erroneous reference to plans (which have never actually existed) for a camp in Texas in 2005. Joining Foley in threatening legislative action have been state representatives John Quinones of Florida, Jake Flake of Arizona and Bryan Hughes of Texas. Of these, Hughes of Texas actually filed legislation (House Bill 50) during a special legislative session. The Naturist Action Committee testified against that measure, and it subsequently died without leaving committee. [See NAC Advisory, July 9, 2003, and NAC Update, July 11, 2003.] STATUS OF THE VIRGINIA BILL House Bill 158 has been prefiled for the 2004 Virginia legislative session. The session convenes on January 14, and the bill will be officially filed on that day. At the present time, Del. Reid is the bill's only patron, but he is expected to add co-patrons by the time of the bill's introduction. HB 158 has not yet been assigned to a committee. That assignment will be critical to the movement of the bill. WHAT'S NAC DOING? The Naturist Action Committee is carefully monitoring Virginia House Bill 158. NAC is also working behind the scenes to gauge legislative sentiment and support, as well as to provide information and education on the issue to key Virginia lawmakers. WHAT SHOULD I BE DOING? This is an Advisory. The Naturist Action Committee is not asking you to take any action at this time. In fact, NAC is requesting that you DO NOT CONTACT VIRGINIA LAWMAKERS ON THIS ISSUE AT THE PRESENT TIME. There will be ample opportunity to flex that grass roots muscle when the timing is more appropriate. Please continue to watch for NAC Action Alerts, Advisories and Updates on this and other important issues. MORE INFORMATION For more information, check the NAC web site: www.naturistsociety.com/NAC Click on ALERTS, ADVISORIES AND UPDATES and then select CURRENT to see this NAC Advisory. Included with it is a link to the complete LEGISLATIVE BILL TEXT of House Bill 158. HELP NAC CONTINUE TO HELP NATURISTS!** The Naturist Action Committee exists to advance and protect the rights of naturists throughout North America. NAC is a volunteer nonprofit organization that relies on the grass roots participation and financial support of those who understand that individuals working together can make a difference. Won't you take a moment to help NAC by sending a generous donation? You may send your donation to the address below, or you may call toll free (800) 886-7230 to donate by phone using your MasterCard or Visa. NAC PO Box 132 Oshkosh, WI 54903 Thank you for choosing to make a difference! Naturally, Jonathan Shopiro Board Member Naturist Action Committee --------------------------------------------------------------- Naturist Action Committee (NAC) - PO Box 132, Oshkosh, WI 54903 Executive Dir. Bob Morton - <ctnudists@aol.com> Board Member Jonathan Shopiro - <jonathan@shopiro.com> Online Rep. Dennis Kirkpatrick - <naturist@sunclad.com> --------------------------------------------------------------- \| Top \| Return to Current NAC Advisories \| Return to NAC Home Page \|