Blaine outlaws public nudity after topless ruling
The Blaine City Council passed an ordinance outlawing public nudity, including uncovered female breasts, at its May 4, 2026 meeting in Blaine, Minnesota, ahead of local beaches opening.[1]
The ordinance defines nudity to include exposed genitals, pubic area, anus and the female breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola without a fully opaque covering.[1] It makes appearing nude in parks, beaches, sidewalks, streets, public buildings and other city facilities unlawful for any person.[1] Council Member Leslie Larson said the change was a direct response to a May 2025 Minnesota Supreme Court ruling on toplessness and intended to keep Blaine's beach a 'family' and 'community' beach.[1]
In May 2025 the Minnesota Supreme Court ruled that a woman's bare breasts are not 'lewd' unless they are part of sexual conduct.[1] Blaine council members said the ordinance gives the city a clear local standard to enforce in public spaces after that high-court ruling.[1]
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📌 Key Facts
- Blaine City Council passed a public-nudity ban at its May 4, 2026 meeting, ahead of local beaches opening later in the month.
- The ordinance defines nudity to include exposed genitals, pubic area, anus, and the female breast below a point immediately above the top of the areola, without a fully opaque covering.
- The law makes appearing nude in public spaces — including parks, beaches, sidewalks, streets, public buildings and city facilities — unlawful for any person.
- Council Member Leslie Larson said the ordinance was a direct response to a May 2025 Minnesota Supreme Court ruling that a woman’s bare breasts are not “lewd” unless part of sexual conduct.
- Larson framed the change as necessary to keep Blaine’s public beach a “family” and “community” beach despite the statewide topless ruling.
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