Indecent Exposure - United Kingdom

United Kingdom

In England and Wales, the offence of "indecent exposure" and other sexual offences were replaced by the more specific and explicit Sexual Offences Act 2003. The Act does not mention nudity as such and is worded so as not to apply to skinny dipping, nude sunbathing, and similar activities. Current laws apply only to genital exposure with intent to shock those who do not want to see them. The maximum penalty is two years' imprisonment, but this is extremely rare as most cases are dealt with by a fine.

The situation in Northern Ireland is complex as some parts of this Act apply but others do not and the Assembly is considering new legislation.

Under Scots law, public indecency is covered by Crimes of indecency. A bill with more repressive wording is currently proposed .

Read more about this topic:  Indecent Exposure

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