Topeka residents can still stroll nude, for now

TOPEKA – The Topeka City Council delayed a vote on public nudity.

The Topeka City Council voted Tuesday to send to committee a proposal to make public nudity a misdemeanor offense.

The issue arose after a man was seen walking nude in south central Topeka near an elementary school earlier this year.

The Topeka Capital-Journal reports the issue was sent to committee after councilman Richard Harmon suggested restricting public nudity only near schools and day cares.

The proposed ban wouldn’t apply to children under 10 or breastfeeding women. Violators could face up to 30 days in jail and/or a fine of between $1 and $499.

Public nudity is not banned by state law or Topeka ordinance, though state law prohibits it in the context of sexual arousal.

This story was originally published September 24, 2014 at 8:06 AM with the headline "Topeka residents can still stroll nude, for now."