Teen nudist law faces challenge

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The American Civil Liberties Union of Virginia said litigation is likely against a new state law that makes it illegal for teens to attend a nudist camp without their parents or guardians.

An ACLU legal director called the legislation a "knee-jerk reaction" against a legal lifestyle.

"There was no good reason to enact this law, and there is no reason to believe that these camps are harmful to children in any way," said Rebecca Glenberg, legal director of the Richmond-based ACLU of Virginia.

Earlier this year, the General Assembly overwhelmingly passed the law that says teens can only attend a nudist camp if a parent, grandparent or legal guardian is present. The law goes into effect July 1, unless legal action is taken.

Miss Glenberg said "litigation is likely" against the law, which targets Camp White Tail in Ivor, a city in southeastern Virginia. Camp White Tail runs an annual week-long nudist camp for nearly 50 teens and preteens.

Bob Roche, the camp's manager, said he is working with the ACLU and will file an injunction in the coming weeks. The ACLU would not confirm this.

Mr. Roche said that unless the law is repealed, it will affect this year's camp, which is to be held the last week of July.

"There's a whole bunch of kids that won't be able to come without their parents," Mr. Roche said. "We want to overturn this extremely bad law that is unconstitutional, and if we have to, we will sue for money."

Mr. Roche said the law discriminates against nude teens. "It singles them out -- a church group that lets students take nude showers doesn't need parents there. A youth hockey camp or summer camp doesn't need their parents," he said.

Miss Glenberg agreed.