It all started when someone who was hanging out a city pool complained about another's tattoo, which he or she thought was inappropriate. A staff member asked the person to cover it up and that person decided to leave instead.
We don’t have any details other than that (as in what the tattoo was exactly), but it seems like the situation was handled in a reasonable and appropriate manner. But what happens next time? How should staff handle it then? That’s what The Bettendorf Park Board in Iowa wants to know and that’s why it’s considering a new tattoo policy.
It wouldn’t be an outright ban, but would address issues of “decency” when it comes to tattoos and piercings displayed at city parks and pools.
“We certainly want to respect people’s right to expression and at the same time, we want to respect a family's right to have a family environment. We have to find a balance,” says Steven Grimes, the Bettendorf Parks and Recreation Director.
As you can imagine, people are concerned about how the line will be drawn between appropriate and inappropriate body art.
“It definitely goes against everything the First Amendment stands for,” tattoo artist Ron O’Tool tells HLN affiliate WQAD. “You have to allow people to be who they’re going to be.”
The policy, still in the beginning stages, is currently being discussed and no timeline has been set for a vote on the matter.
Tell us what you think: Do we have the freedom to ink obscene pictures on our bodies and display them proudly wherever we want? Or should a city pool/park be allowed to tell a patron to cover themselves up when families are present?
Join the conversation...