Mass. Legislature Passes Ban on Upskirt Photos

Day after court ruled current laws against voyeurism didn't cover it

The Massachusetts Legislature today passed a bill banning "upskirting," a day after the state's highest court ruled that the state law aimed at prohibiting criminal voyeurism does not apply to taking secret photos up a woman's skirt.

The legislation, introduced this afternoon, flew through the House and then the Senate with unusual speed. It is now headed to Governor Deval Patrick's desk.

"It is sexual harassment. It is an assault on another person…women and children should be able to go to public places without feeling like they are not protected by the law," Senate President Therese Murray told reporters following the vote.