The state of Massachusetts recently banned "upskirting," or the act of taking photos underneath a person's clothing, said CNN. The bill to ban the Peeping Tom act has been signed by state governor Deval Patrick on Friday, and will now criminalize individuals who had been found guilty of such acts.
Patrick reasoned the signing of the bill in a prepared statement from his office, which read, "The legislation makes the secret photographing, videotaping, or electronically surveiling of another person's sexual or other intimate parts, whether under or around a person's clothing or when a reasonable person would believe that the person's intimate parts would not be visible to the public, a crime."
CNN said upskirting now is considered a misdemeanor, and individuals found guilty could serve up to two and a half years in prison or pay a fine of a maximum of $5,000. The law also is strict with regards to taking inappropriate photos of children. The law, which reportedly is now in effect, will face up tp 5 years in prison and pay a maximum of $5,000 in fines.
The news outlet said that the new law was hastily drawn up after a case that was filed against Michael Robertson, which was dismissed on the grounds that current state laws do not cover upskirting crimes. CNN said the bill was immediately drafted by outraged lawmakers a day after the landmark ruling.
Justice Margot Botsford of the state Supreme Judicial Court's ruling of the Robertson case read, "A female passenger on a MBTA (Massachusetts Bay Transportation Authority) trolley who is wearing a skirt, dress, or the like covering these parts of her body is not a person who is 'partially nude,' no matter what is or is not underneath the skirt by way of underwear or other clothing."
Senate President Therese Murray said in a prepared statement upon passing the bill on Thursday, "We are sending a message that to take a photo or video of a woman under her clothing is morally reprehensible and, in Massachusetts, we will put you in jail for doing it. We will need to revisit this law again and again as technology continues to evolve and ensure that we are providing the necessary protections."
