In Stunning Blow to Photo Hobbyists, Mass. Lawmakers Vote to Ban Upskirt Photos

Advocacy Group for Amateur Photographers Respond to Ruling

“We’re very disappointed in the ruling. Our organization will continue work to protect our rights, and educate the public, to ultimately end the stigma associated with amateur upskirt photography. We respect and admire women. We believe our harmless activity has a rightful place in society.”

— Dave MacGuffin,  President of P.A.N.T.I.E.S. (Photographers Advocating Tasteful Images of Exposed Skirts)

The measure, which sailed through the House and Senate, awaits Gov. Deval Patrick‘s likely signature.

Renegade paparazzi could be jailed more than two years and fined $5,000 if the victim is 18 or older, but the penalties would jump to five years behind bars or a $10,000 fine for anyone under age.

The unusually swift action followed the Supreme Judicial Court‘s ruling Wednesday that a Boston subway rider who took cellphone photos up women’s skirts didn’t violate the state’s “Peeping Tom” law.

Tom Grant, Vice President of P.A.N.T.I.E.S.

“We think the term ‘Peeping Tom’ is unfair, and judgmental. It discriminates against  guys who enjoy peeking at women, which is perfectly natural. It’s a legitimate hobby. Men who take clandestine snapshots of girls are often misunderstood. It’s an example of the kind of  bullying that’s far too common, in place like Boston. It’s also totally unfair to guys named Tom.”

— Tom Grant, Vice President of P.A.N.T.I.E.S.

“We think guys like Dave, and Tom, are really creepy. We think they should be in jail. This ruling will hopefully protect women from disgusting guys who take upskirt pictures of girls on subways.”

–Some girls who ride the subway

The judges said that although the law protected someone’s privacy in dressing rooms and bathrooms while naked or partially clothed, it did not protect people in public.

House Speaker Robert DeLeo said his chamber acted “to bring Massachusetts laws up-to-date with technology and the predatory practice of ‘upskirting.’ We must make sure that the law protects women from these kind of frightening and degrading acts.”

Developing…