Naturism is a healthy lifestyle enjoyed by both the four million self described naturists in the UK and several times that number who are naturists to at least some extent. Despite that the law is abused to prosecute law-abiding individuals. British Naturism is the representative body for Naturists in the UK and campaigns for clarity in the law and a greater understanding and acceptance of Naturism.


Naturism and the Law

Every wondered why hundreds of people can cycle naked through central London with apparent impunity, yet individuals walking naked in remote parts of the countryside or sunbathing in their own gardens can be arrested and prosecuted?

There are serious problems with the law regarding Naturism. Despite a long tradition of Naturism in the UK the law is vague, complex, and poorly understood by those in authority. All too often this lack of clarity and understanding means that law abiding individuals are prosecuted based either on misunderstanding or the prejudice of individuals.

Further information about Naturism and the law is being prepared, but in the interim we have two briefing notes on Garden Naturism and The Equality Act 2010.


Supporting Members

Given the lack of clarity in the law and the incorrect preconceptions of many people in authority, it is no surprise that law-abiding individuals often fall foul of the law. Closely aligned to our campaigning work is our support for individual and Naturist clubs. We provide guidance on the law to our members and clubs as well as direct support to those in trouble.

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Censorship

Fuelled by the lack of clarity in the law, the preconceptions of individuals and the wider sexualisation of society through the internet and media, there is a growing trend to censor normal healthy images of nudity. Far from being harmful, there is ample evidence that seeing real bodies, as opposed to the picture-perfect ones portrayed in the media, helps to promote positive self-body-image and a sense of well-being especially amongst young people. Openness about the body also encourages the attitudes which allow adults to educate children about their bodies, whether through health education or informally as part of the child's environment. It is no coincidence that the most censorious Western Countries have appalling outcomes for all the body-attitude related indicators. The prudification of society is a serious and growing problem.

BN is campaigning to prevent censorship of nudity and promoting the use of normal positive body images. We challenge instances of censorship which impact on free-speech and expression and honesty. We respond to government consultations, lobby MPs, peers and the government, and support other individuals and organisations that also support a rational and objective approach to these issues.

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Campaign Teams
Most of the campaigning is carried out by volunteers working in small teams. At present we have:

• Legal group
• Naturist Rights
• Anti-social Behaviour Bill
• Online Protection Bill

We are still developing the systems to support small team working. Most of the teething problems have been ironed out but there is still some to more work to be done before we create more teams. There is plenty more to do!

Resources

This site contains a wide range of briefing notes, guidance and links to other websites that include useful campaign resources.

Campaign Resources →

Further Information

For further information please contact Malcolm Boura or read some of our latest articles on campaigning and current affairs.

 

 

 

This page is currently under development.