Chicago Makes Taking Upskirt Shots Worthy of a $500 Fine

The Chicago City Council passed an ordinance Wednesday building upon a previously established Illinois state law that makes it illegal to take photos or videos from beneath a woman.

While “upskirting” (as it’s known in cool circles) has been illegal in Illinois since 2005 due to a state law that prevents videotaping without permission, officials felt that rule was too vague. As the Chicago Tribune reported, the new ordinance adds an additional $500 fine to possible jail time established by the state law.

The ordinance was passed unanimously, making “it unlawful for any person to knowingly make a video record or transmit live video under or through the clothing worn by that other person for the purpose of viewing the body of or undergarments worn by that person without that person’s consent.” One of the Aldermen pushing for the change, Alderman Ed Burke, said last week that a fine was needed as a deterrent because, “There are a lot of weirdos roaming around.”