Much of this information comes from BerkeleySide.com. For details, not reported here, check their twitter feed, @BerkeleySide or their website.
#BenShaprio
On Tuesday Sept 12, 2017, Berkeley City, California had a city council meeting. Among the topic discused and approve was that the “Berkeley Police can use pepper spray on violent protestors” – a law in Berkeley requires police to ask for permission before using pepper spray. The pepper spray was request by police as an added security measure for an event with @BenShapiro on Sept 14th, known as #BenAtBerkeley.
At least, one minor violent incidents was reported, and 9 people – off UCB campus – were arrested with related charge. No reports of pepper spray being used. For previous Berkeley events, BerkeleySide reminds us that “at least 10 people have been charged”; they have details.
Reports stated “no sign of #antifa #berkeley”, however, Yvettte Felarca and #BAMN were spotted after the event ended. She and #BAMN followed the exiting event attendees. Police separated protesters from attendees, and escorted some attendees.
Police released names, pictures, charges and details of those arrested; @BerkeleySide has details in their twitter stream. They will likely do a news story in the near future.
#freeTheNips
On the issue of “Nipple Liberation”, it appears that earlier in the evening the city council tabled (delayed indefinitely) the agenda item popularly known as “nipple liberation” – #freeTheNips. The post-meeting agenda notes (item 49) show that the vote to table as:
- Vote: Ayes – 6
- Noes – 1
- Abstain – None
- Absent – 2
The resolution (No 49) Adopt an Ordinance Equalizing Nudity Laws in Berkeley Between All Genders by Decriminalizing the Display of Female Nipples stated:
Recommendation: Adopt an Ordinance eliminating the line in section 13.32.010 of
Berkeley’s Municipal Code, which specifically targets women by criminalizing only
the display of female breasts or “any portion of the breast at or below the areola
thereof of any female person” in any place open to the public or any place visible
from a place open to the public, while placing no such restriction upon males.
After the council meeting ended, the BerkeleySide and others tweeted:
Hours later, more tweets clarified the situation
The BerkeleySide story linked to in the tweets said:
A naked activist unleashed a 5-minute tirade in a mostly empty City Council chamber in Berkeley on Tuesday night.
The woman, Berkeley resident Gypsy Taub, was upset after officials tabled a proposal to allow women to bare their breasts in public as part of a national campaign to “free the nipple.” The proposal is not currently slated to return to the agenda.
As the council meeting adjourned at 11:15 p.m., Taub disrobed, saying, “Let’s get arrested.… Let’s fucking get native.”
SOURCES
- Berkeley police can now use pepper spray during demonstrations
BerkeleySide – By Emilie Raguso – Sept. 13, 2017, 4:54 p.m. - Naked activist slams city officials after ‘free the nipple’ proposal dies
BerkeleySide – By Emilie Raguso – Sept. 13, 2017, 11:38 a.m.
Neo Repository 