Now, thankfully, the crazy proposed law I am about to share with you was not courtesy of a Colorado lawmaker. However, it speaks volumes to the over-reaching stance the law sometimes takes. A lawmaker from another state is proposing a law, which would expand the definition of Indecent Exposure to include tight clothing. The specific target of this law is a popular women’s fashion choice: yoga pants. In this projected law, Indecent Exposure would include wearing clothing which gives away “the appearance of a person’s buttocks, genitals, pelvis, or female nipple.” This would, in theory, make wearing yoga pants in public against the law. Even a tight fitting t-shirt could be a law violation. Fortunately, the committee shelved the bill, meaning it is not going to become a law anytime soon, but this may not be over. Can you imagine having to register as a sex offender while being fully clothed in public?
What is Indecent Exposure in Fort Collins?
Colorado law defines C.R.S. 18-7-302 – Indecent Exposure – as:
- If he or she knowingly exposes his or her genitals to the view of any person under circumstances in which such conduct is likely to cause affront or alarm to the other person with the intent to arouse or to satisfy the sexual desire of any person;
- If he or she knowingly performs an act of masturbation in a manner which exposes the act to the view of any person under circumstances in which such conduct is likely to cause affront or alarm to the other person.
Basically, this crime is charged when someone exposes themselves for sexual gratification or masturbates in public. It is a class 1 misdemeanor, and along with possible Larimer County Jail time and fines, it requires the convicted party to register as a sex offender.
And how is that worse than allowing men to be shirtless in public?
Can you imagine if a part (c) was added to the statute to include wearing clothing that is too tight? Women everywhere leaving the gym, or even going to classes at CSU could possibly become registered sex offenders for wearing their yoga pants or t-shirt out in public in Fort Collins, Loveland, and Estes Park. And how is that worse than allowing men to be shirtless in public? Thankfully, the bill wasn’t really even considered, but it is a little frightening to think that a lawmaker would propose something like this. The ramifications for wearing yoga pants definitely would not fit the crime (if you can even call it a crime.)