Steve Crow, local porn king and former mayoral candidate, rode through the streets of Auckland today in style-- triumphant style, complete with victorious adult film stars, motorcyclists, and a plethora of topless women...
They were met by 100,000 people, many of whom heard about the ride due to the recent publicity, i.e. major controversy. Up until a few days ago, it seemed as if the ride might not go through, until an appeals court ruled restrictions placed on the event would have to be lifted. Crow, who organizes the yearly event, put out an APB on the decision and tourists, participants, and protestors arrived in droves...
Crow told reporters they would avoid confrontation by warning "the girls beforehand to keep the jiggling to a minimum and not to do anything that would be deemed offensive." However, an egg thrown at the fearless leader narrowly missed a cop, which caused some temporary pandemonium while the protestor was located.
One man shouted at Mr Crow, asking him if he was a pervert.
Mr Crow replied he was not a pervert, he was comfortable with who he was and what he did, and it was the man on the sidewalk who was the pervert.
While the crowd was predominantly male from all age groups and professions, many women also watched the parade.
Other activists, who said the parade and the pornography industry promoted violence against women; they had to be cleared from the streets at several intervals so the parade could continue.
More photos here.
Stories and photos here, here and here.
Our previous story, about the possibility the parade would be cancelled, is here.
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