WELLINGTON, New Zealand (AP) - A lunchtime parade of topless porn stars down the main street of New Zealand's biggest city has been given official approval - as no laws will be broken.
The parade later this month will feature up to 30 porn stars riding on the back of motorcycles or in open cars through Auckland's CBD to promote an erotica exposition.
The bare breast drive has been held informally since 2003, but this is the first time permission has been sought, and given, by Auckland City Council.
Organizer Steve Crow said it would promote an Erotica Expo which opens in the city Aug 25.
Several city councillors opposed to the parade were surprised to find it had been given a green light without them being consulted.
They learned of the approval from a council memo from events and promotions manager Annabel Lushthat who noted that it was not against the law to go topless on the city's Queen Street.
They also were told police had approved the parade and would be in attendance to ensure road safety.
Councillor Noelene Raffills said the parade would be too distracting for a central shopping district during the busy noontime.
"It is not like a television set you can turn off or a book you can shut," Raffills was reported telling The New Zealand Herald newspaper Tuesday.
The parade later this month will feature up to 30 porn stars riding on the back of motorcycles or in open cars through Auckland's CBD to promote an erotica exposition.
The bare breast drive has been held informally since 2003, but this is the first time permission has been sought, and given, by Auckland City Council.
Organizer Steve Crow said it would promote an Erotica Expo which opens in the city Aug 25.
Several city councillors opposed to the parade were surprised to find it had been given a green light without them being consulted.
They learned of the approval from a council memo from events and promotions manager Annabel Lushthat who noted that it was not against the law to go topless on the city's Queen Street.
They also were told police had approved the parade and would be in attendance to ensure road safety.
Councillor Noelene Raffills said the parade would be too distracting for a central shopping district during the busy noontime.
"It is not like a television set you can turn off or a book you can shut," Raffills was reported telling The New Zealand Herald newspaper Tuesday.
