Organ Public Nudity Laws

The State of Oregon has a pretty lenient view of public nudity:

ORS 163.465

Public indecency

• Text

• Annotations   6

(1)

A person commits the crime of public indecency if while in, or in view of, a public place the person performs:

(a)

An act of sexual intercourse;

(b)

An act of oral or anal sexual intercourse;

(c)

Masturbation; or

(d)

An act of exposing the genitals of the person with the intent of arousing the sexual desire of the person or another person.

(2)

Intentionally left blank —Ed.

(a)

Public indecency is a Class A misdemeanor.

(b)

Notwithstanding paragraph (a) of this subsection, public indecency is a Class C felony if the person has a prior conviction for public indecency or a crime described in ORS 163.355 (Rape in the third degree) to 163.445 (Sexual misconduct) or 163.665 (Definitions) to 163.693 (Failure to report child pornography) or for a crime in another jurisdiction that, if committed in this state, would constitute public indecency or a crime described in ORS 163.355 (Rape in the third degree) to 163.445 (Sexual misconduct) or 163.665 (Definitions) to 163.693 (Failure to report child pornography). [1971 c.743 §120; 1999 c.962 §1; 2005 c.434 §1; 2017 c.318 §10; 2019 c.65 §1; 2023 c.198 §1]

Source: Section 163.465 — Public indecency, https://www.­oregonlegislature.­gov/bills_laws/ors/ors163.­html (accessed May 26, 2025).

Local jurisdictions may have attitional laws that supercede Organ State Laws

State Law Overview

• Public Indecency (ORS 163.465): Nudity itself is not a crime under Oregon Revised Statutes § 163.465 (2025). Public indecency only occurs if a person exposes their genitals, engages in masturbation, or performs sexual or oral/anal intercourse with the intent of arousing sexual desire. [1, 2, 3]

• Definition of Nude: Under Oregon law, nudity means uncovering or insufficiently covering post-pubertal genitals, pubic areas, post-pubertal female breasts below the top of the areola, or genitals in a turgid (erect) state. [1]

• Penalties: Violating the public indecency statute is a Class A misdemeanor (up to 1 year in jail and a $6,250 fine), or a Class C felony if the person has prior convictions for public indecency or specific sexual offenses. [1]

Local Restrictions and Exceptions

• Local Ordinances: While state law is permissive, local municipalities can pass stricter rules regarding specific conduct. For example, Portland prohibits public genitalia exposure (including public urination) under city code, and Ashland banned public nudity in 2010. [1, 2, 3, 4]

So, in our state one can be nude in your home, backyard or on a public street as long as your intent does not match the above descriptions.  However you should use common sense when in a unfamiliar location and have provisions to cover up if necessary.  For instance, when hiking on a mountain trail it is good advice to have shorts and T shirts handy in case you encounter someone who complains about your nakedness and simply dress until they are no longer in sight. We nudists want to be good citizens and at times it is wise to not become too defensive even though you know you are right and within the law.