AN INVITATION TO THE WOMEN OF THE SHIRE OF BYRON
DISROBE TO DISARM

To the wives, mothers, daughters, sisters, aunts and girlfriends of Byron shire

If, like us, you are stunned that John Howard is taking us to war; if you are angry that George Bush is rallying our forces to attack another country?s citizens; to kill, maim and violently torture its men, women, children, little tiny babies, birds and animals; if you are feeling the anguish of this prospect, fearful of its consequences yet powerless over its inevitability, we urge you to join us in a protest action that will show this Government exactly how you feel.

In recent weeks, a group of American women ? mothers, school teachers, shop assistants, lawyers, couriers, actresses , hippies and housewives ? joined forces, took off their clothes and lay down in a paddock to spell out their protest. Their naked female bodies, arranged in letters that spelt out "NO WAR" made a powerful picture to present to their president and the world. We are planning a similar action in the Byron Shire next week and invite you, whoever you are, to join us.

As women, we generally do not understand the blinding need to kill and control. We do not endorse bullying. We are ashamed of the gladiator mentality of the men we have mistakenly put our trust in. Our overwhelming desire, if acknowledged, is to nurture, protect and love. Our responsibility is to say so.

WHY NAKED?

1. Because it attracts attention. We need the male-dominated political parties of Australia to hear us. They are unlikely to listen unless we get their attention.

2. Because of its powerful symbolism. Stripped bare of any clothing or adornment that label and separate us, we become united as a single entity. We are simply female human beings who, in this moment in time, want one thing ? PEACE.

3. Because although it's difficult, it makes a powerful statement. For some free-spirited Nimbin babies, this might not mean a lot, but for most of us it is at best an uncomfortable idea and at worst, absolutely excruciating. Many of us have already signed petitions which have their value, but how useful does that really make us feel? Do you ask yourself ? "what more can I do?" "How much of a sacrifice am I willing to make?" If nakedness is uncomfortable and embarrassing for us, think how uncomfortable and embarrassing the pictures of Iraqi citizens or Australian soldiers blown to smithereens will be.