Staff Reports
Seattle’s Pride parade became a national talking point this week after videos showed several marchers nude or nearly nude in public areas. The footage made conservatives and ordinary citizens alike ask a simple question: when does “self-expression” cross the line into law-breaking and poor judgment? On Newsmax’s Finnerty, host Rob Finnerty and guests including Newsmax commentator Link Lauren tore into what they saw and demanded answers.
What happened at the Seattle Pride parade?
Video clips circulating on social media show members of a group identified by some observers as “Friends of Denny Blaine” walking nude or nearly nude near the Pride route and in nearby fountain areas. Some clips show families and children close by. Conservative media amplified the footage quickly, and commentators on Finnerty were blunt: they said what happened looks like indecent exposure and demanded police action. Reports so far indicate Seattle Police did not immediately report arrests tied to the parade footage.
Legal lines: indecent exposure versus public nudity
Washington state law criminalizes indecent exposure when nudity is likely to cause a “reasonable affront or alarm.” But Seattle has long been clear that nudity alone isn’t always an automatic crime. The Seattle Police Department has explained the difference: public nudity can be legal in some contexts, but it becomes a prosecutable offense if it’s done in a way that alarms people, especially children, or if the person has prior sex‑crime convictions. That legal nuance matters — and it’s exactly what people arguing for enforcement are pointing to.
Why leaders and law enforcement can’t shrug this off
Call it tolerance, celebration, or artistic expression — those are fine within private spaces. But when public nudity happens where families and kids are present, city leaders and police owe the public a clear answer and swift action. If the footage shows behavior that meets the state’s indecent‑exposure standard, there should be arrests and charges. If it doesn’t, leaders should explain why and tell citizens the next time this happens what will change. Saying “we tolerate this” is not a policy. It’s an excuse.
Seattle deserves common‑sense enforcement and honesty from officials. Pride festivals can be joyful without becoming a public safety or decency problem. If local government won’t set a firm line, voters will. And if you believe in protecting kids and public spaces, now is the moment to speak up — before “expression” becomes a loophole for behavior most people find offensive and potentially illegal.
