Jen Moss seen frequently in Ashland riding topless on her bicycle says she plans to be in Ashland's Fourth of July parade free and independent of all clothing but a hemp G-string.

Jen Moss seen frequently in Ashland riding topless on her bicycle says she plans to be in Ashland's Fourth of July parade free and independent of all clothing but a hemp G-string. The Chamber of Commerce says that's contrary to the rules for the family celebration. She says she'll sue if she can't parade as she wishes.

Jen Moss has been known as "The Naked Lady" since she moved to Ashland in May from Ojai, Calif., drawn by the town's nudity laws. They specify only that people must cover their genitalia in a city park or the downtown commercial district, which means Moss need not cover her breasts.

The police in California, she says, harassed her when she rode her bicycle wearing a G-string and pasties.

Moss applied for an entry for the parade, which draws thousands each year.

The Ashland Chamber of Commerce learned of her coverage plans from an online posting. She promised to lead in-line skaters "wearing only a hemp G-string and blowing a conch shell."

"We don't feel that someone in the parade who is topless or nearly naked is appropriate for a family audience," said parade chairman James Kidd.

He said a letter was sent to Moss on Monday and wouldn't speak specifically about the chamber's position until he was certain that she had received the letter.

Kidd did say that parade rules clearly indicate that entries must be appropriate for a family audience. He also said he understood that the Ashland city ordinance allows women to be topless.

"She's welcome on any other day of the year to do that," he said. "But not on the Fourth of July while in the parade."

City Council member Eric Navickas said he's on Moss's side.

If she can't be in the parade, Navickas said, it would be "an interesting commentary on our society that we're willing to tolerate dead bodies through our aggressive foreign policy from the war, but not healthy, naked bodies."

Moss told the Ashland Daily Tidings in an e-mail that if she can't be nearly naked in the parade, she would "run around near naked protesting their unconstitutional(ism) and un-Americanism." And she said, she would ask the American Civil Liberties Union for help in a lawsuit.

Comments

[TrayCee]

I totally understand her reasons for wanting to be in this parade and without clothes, however this is a family event and their will be small children there. I am sure she would not want something she feels is inappropriate shoved down her own childrens faces. When we see war results on our television sets we can very easy turn the channel. But when you are right there in front of us at best we can turn our heads. And unfortunatly that is ashame that we have to ask our young children to do the same. Get a grip miss Moss put your energy somewhere else nudity is just not acceptable out in public. What you do behind closed doors is your business but please stop trying to shove it down our throats.

[icantseeyou]

I completely agree. I have small children and this is a parade. Anyone nude in my opinion should be arrested.

[rich gillette]

Grow up America. Why are we so prude? Is it because we, as an Americian people have gotten so fat and out of shape. Maybe if we gave up our cars and bicycled more we would be less shocked at nudity. Is nudity offending because of our fear aand hangups shoved down our throats by backward bible teachings. Is it not wonderful how a child can run around naked and feel so free.

[rich gillette]

Grow up America. Why are we so prude? Is it because we, as an Americian people have gotten so fat and out of shape. Maybe if we gave up our cars and bicycled more we would be less shocked at nudity. Is nudity offending because of our fear aand hangups shoved down our throats by backward bible teachings. Is it not wonderful how a child can run around naked and feel so free.