NZers plan to join 'Slutwalk' crusade

Protest "SlutWalks" are planned in Auckland and Wellington next month as international protests grow following a Canadian police officer's remarks about how woman should dress to avoid sexual assaults.

In Boston approximately 2000 protesters marched yesterday some holding signs saying We love sluts! and Jesus loves sluts, Associated Press reported.

The protest movement, sparked by a Toronto police officer's remark that women could avoid being raped by not dressing like "sluts," came to Boston after advocates saw similar events - largely organised through Facebook and Twitter - pop up in Canada, England and other parts of the US

In January, a Toronto police officer told a group of university students that women should avoid dressing like "sluts" to avoid being raped. He later apologised.

The officer who made the comments, Constable Michael Sanguinetti, was disciplined but remained on duty, said Toronto police spokesman Mark Pugash.

The New Zealand "SlutWalks" are planned for June 25 with organisers telling the Sunday Star-Times they are rallying "to place the blame for sexual assault where it belongs: on the perpetrators".

"We are promoting the idea that women should be able to dress how they like without having to wonder if they will be blamed if they are attacked."

- NZPA