Banned: Nudity at home

2004-12-23 07:35

Mexico - Come New Years, residents of Villahermosa, a sizeable city southeast of the capital, may no longer walk around naked in their own homes.

If caught in the act, they face 36 hours of arrest or a fine of $133, the Mexican daily La Jornada reported on Wednesday. The town of half a million residents lies in a tropical zone about 750 kilometres southeast of Mexico City.

The town has also forbidden residents to appear at parties without an invitation.

Only one council member, Rodrigo Sanchez, voted against the law, saying it was "laughable" and "an attack on civil rights".

Mexican towns and cities are in the grips of passing such regulations, presumably in an effort to bolster city incomes.

But whether they actually make any money on the nudity law is another thing: The town has also forbidden spying on one's neighbours. - Sapa-dpa

- SAPA