From now on, if any float rider in any parade in Slidell throws a sexually explicit object of a float or disrobes during the parade, they will face a heavy fine from the Slidell City Court Judge.

Tuesday night, the Slidell City Council unanimously passed an ordinance that bans any float rider or parade spectator from tossing a throw that depicts male and female genitalia, buttocks or female breasts.

The bill was introduced by then acting Councilwoman at large Marti Livaudais in March. She said that these sexually themed throws had been making an appearance during the 2009 Mardi Gras season. Wanting to maintain the city’s family values and quality of life, Livaudais introduced the bill to prevent the practice from spreading. Tuesday night, an amendment was added to the bill that would also prohibit float riders or spectators from disrobing during a parade, and would also make it illegal for anyone to toss condoms or any sexually oriented device either from a float, or to a float.

Livaudais, speaking as a private citizen Tuesday, said she added the amendment because she had heard of some float riders in both Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day parades actually taking off their clothes during the parade.

“Slidell is famous for its family atmosphere, and we should keep it that way,” Livaudais told the council. She added she wanted the bill passed now, because it would send a message to retailers and vendors of parade throws not to stock inappropriate and sexually themed throws.

Councilman Lionel Hicks said that he was surprised that this behavior was going on at parades, but agreed that something had to be done to stop it.

Councilman Joe Fraught said the bill had the community’s support.

“I know the captains of the krewes all support this,” he said. The amendment and the amended ordinance passed unanimously.