Shirley Mason
Thursday, July 31, 2003
Aaaahhhhh-summer time is here. Hopefully, a little R & R, a little fun in the sun. The ideal time of year for individuals and families to spend time at the beach and summer camps. That is unless you like going to clothes-optional beaches (i.e., go in the buff). In case you have not followed it in the papers, U.S. Congressman Mark Foley has created quite a stir among the naturists/recreational nudists community with his requests for investigations into nudist camps for children in Florida. He claims that he is concerned with the safety of the children and that “kids are not in contact with undesirables.” Attacks on constitutional privacy rights, harassment, and political aspirations are among the accusations expressed by B.E.A.C.H.E.S. Foundation Executive Director Shirley Mason, our next speaker for the Capital Tiger Bay Club. More pointedly, Ms. Mason is convinced of movement within the Florida Legislature, as with some other states, to try and ban this type of activity in Florida. Make no mistake about it, “nudity is a political issue” and “it’s a fundamental freedom in this country to make such personal choices.” Now THIS would make for an interesting Special Session next year.