The Manawatu Standard has received a slew of emails, letters and texts for and against the Erotica Expo and Boobs on Bikes parade, which return to Palmerston North on Anzac Weekend next year.
Most correspondents have expressed disgust at the thought of bare-breasted women riding pillion around The Square, but calls for them to be arrested for indecent exposure have been squashed by police Acting Area Commander Senior Sergeant Brett Calkin.
"Essentially the indecent exposure laws revolve around genitalia," he said.
"If you can't see someone's genitalia then it's not indecent exposure.
"As for Boobs on Bikes, the fact is that it has female breasts, so it doesn't come under the indecent exposure crime."
Police received complaints when Boobs on Bikes was last held in Palmerston North two years ago, though none of those resulted in prosecutions, Mr Calkin said.
Women caught exposing their breasts in the city on a "normal" day could be prosecuted for disorderly behaviour, but to expose them at a well-publicised event, such as Boobs on Bikes, made it difficult for police to act, he said.
"It's up to personal choice. Having said that, if people feel offended by it when it occurs, and I'm sure some will, they are certainly welcome to come into the police station and make a complaint."
The timing of expo has also raised the ire of RSA members, who are unimpressed about sharing their Anzac day of remembrance with the sex-themed adult show.
READER FEEDBACK
Against the expo
Erotica expo - every one has seen boobs b4, do they have 2 parade it? Have these girls not exposed themselves enough in movies? Keep it outa palmy. What a way 2 ruin Anzac Day.
A big no, erotica expo - just low life, no morals Ann Hodge
How disgusting that our city accepts naked boobs in our streets 4 public viewing. Funny how replacing cross on clocktower was rejected - yet you'll shove this in our faces.
For the expo
Go Erotica! Stop being judgemental and go and see what it's like. As they say, you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. I've been and loved it. Shantel
Erotica expo is great for city - everyone should go! It's all good fun. Dean
personally i'm not interested in this erotics expo or boobs on bikes ,and would not bother going.But If your so offended by it then stay at home and draw the curtains. We have a bill of rights in this country that allows freedom of expression ,just because your prudish or whatever doesnt mean you should dictate what takes place. Just dont go ,but so what ! a few girls what to show there breasts in public ,get over it.
You know what I have no objection to boobs or parades, I'll probably go to see both the parade AND the expo when they are here BUT if it were put to me to have a CHOICE about bringing a boobs on bikes parade to town - if we got to vote and have a say - I'd say No thanks.
I dont really see the point in it and should I be in town with my god daughter or neices at the time, I dont want them to think this is an ideal to aspire to. I'd much prefer they thought their breats were MORE than just sexually interesting to the general public; sexually intersting YES, but also more than that... why dont we a big breast feeding parade in the middle f town to promote the Womens lifestyle expo?
By only making a special public spectacle of breasts for the purpose of promoting sexuality I just think we sell these wonderful things a bit short.
and its boring.
