New Hampshire won't ban women from showing breasts, nipples

CONCORD, N.H. (AP) — The New Hampshire House on Wednesday rejected a bill that would have made it crime for women to expose their breasts or nipples in public, a measure that caused an online dispute among several legislators that drew national attention.

In its report recommending the bill's rejection, the House Criminal Justice and Public Safety said it heard testimony from many who warned that, due to likely acts of civil disobedience, the state would face expensive court fees if the bill became law.

The New Hampshire chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union testified that violation of such a law could be considered protected political speech, indicating the state would be unsuccessful in litigation.