Evanston City Council asks another committee to review topless ordinance
EVANSTON, Ill. (CBS) -- Evanston beaches are closed until next summer, but the City Council there is considering an ordinance that would let women go topless in city limits.
The plan had been for the Evanston City Council to debate the proposal on Tuesday. But Ald. Devon Reid (8th) said the proposal has been sent to the Equity and Empowerment Committee for review – as there were concerns that it excluded the transgender community.
The Equity and Empowerment Committee next meets Thursday, Sept. 15.
Reid proposed a change to the suburb's nudity ordinance to allow anyone to be topless, regardless of gender. It would apply to all city beaches, parks, and streets.
The current ordinance doesn't allow female breast exposure. Reid said that violates the Illinois constitution, which prohibits discrimination on the basis of sex.
The current nudity ban also comes with a $75 fine and a possible misdemeanor charge.