Politics & Government

Senator Seeks To Criminalize 'Upskirting' In New Jersey

Senator Tom Kean Jr. has introduced a bill that would criminalize the act of secretly photographing people, particularly women, under their clothes known as 'upskirting' in New Jersey.

Senator Tom Kean Jr. has introduced a bill that would criminalize the act of secretly photographing people, particularly women, under their clothes known as 'upskirting' in New Jersey.   

The bill comes just weeks after Massachusetts' highest court ruled in an 'upskirting' case that the practice is not illegal if the person being photographed is neither 'nude' or 'partially nude', no matter the state of dress underneath their clothes. 

This has since caused a stir among lawmakers, such as Kean, who have deemed the ruling outdated in comparison to todays modern technology and are responding by signing their own 'upskirting' bans into place. 

“We must do everything possible to protect women in New Jersey from this sickening act, which like other offensive actions involving photos or videos has the potential to be popularized by the internet if that hasn’t happened here already,” said Kean in a press release sent out by New Jersey Senate Republicans. “We need to make it clear that this is an illegal act in New Jersey that will not be tolerated.”

According to the press release, Kean is exploring all options for criminalizing 'upskirting', such as adding a provision to New Jersey’s invasion of privacy statute. 

To read more about the Massachusetts court ruling check out CNN's coverage below: 

Massachusetts Court Says 'Upskirt' Photos Are Legal
Upskirt Ban in Massachusetts Signed Into Law 




Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here