Naked Pumpkin Run participants: Boulder DA Stan Garnett doesn't think you're sex offenders

Prior to last year's Naked Pumpkin Run, Boulder district attorney Stan Garnett told Westword that the charges available to use in relation to the event didn't fit the crime -- or whatever the hell you'd call stripping off your clothes and dashing around with a pumpkin shell on your head...

By Michael Roberts

January 18, 2010

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Prior to last year's Naked Pumpkin Run, Boulder district attorney Stan Garnett told Westword that the charges available to use in relation to the event didn't fit the crime -- or whatever the hell you'd call stripping off your clothes and dashing around with a pumpkin shell on your head. In his words, "I've encouraged the Boulder City Council to pass a simple public-nudity ordinance, because that's really what would fit the situation -- a low-level municipal law that says you have to keep your clothes on in public, and if you don't, you get a ticket and a small fine." Even though the subsequent bash didn't result in any arrests, due in large part to pre-run warnings from the Boulder Police Department, Garnett still sees a need for a regulatory remedy -- and he's taken the next step toward securing one. According to the Boulder Daily Camera, he's proposed legislation that would make streaking with pumpkin or not, as well as public urination, petty offenses that would not force those found guilty of these acts to register as sex offenders.

Look below for a video in which Garnett explains his rationale:

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Michael Roberts began his career with Westword in 1990 as music editor. In 1999, he took on a new role, full-time media reporter, as author of a column called The Message. In 2008, he became the lead writer for Westword's news blog, The Latest Word, a position he held until January 2023. Michael continues to freelance for Westword, covering everything from business to sports and the media; he also contributes to Jazziz, a national music magazine. He holds a bachelor's degree from what is now Colorado Mesa University and master's degrees from the University of California, Los Angeles, and Northwestern University.

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