Lawsuit over Florida public nudity laws

Ten Florida women sue for right to bare breasts. The self-proclaimed Topfree 10, ranging in age from 14 to 74, are challenging state and local laws against public nudity which treat female chests differently than male chests. Two odd aspects to the lawsuit. First, one of the plaintiffs currently faces fifteen years in prison for a post-9/11 anthrax hoax (she sprinkled white powder in her water bill). Second, the lawsuit was initiated by a little kid.

The Topfree 10 began their battle about five years ago, when 9-year-old Athela Frandsen was about to celebrate her birthday.

The daughter of Melbourne, Fla., naturists Marvin and Jan Frandsen, Athela was disheartened to learn that the county's ordinance would require her to start wearing a top when she turned 10.

"When I was 9, I could take off my top to cool down in a hot car," said Athela, now 14. "When I turned 10, I cried because I didn't have the same rights as boys.

"Then Mom had the idea to contact a lawyer."

Nice to see young people learning the American way so early.

Posted on Wed, Oct 29, 2003 at 9:26 AM