Free The Nipple: Public Pools In Catalonia Must Allow Women To Go Topless, Government Urges

The Catalan government has reminded public swimming pools that they can’t ban women from going topless.

Public pools in Catalonia must allow women to go topless, the regional government has declared.

The right to swim without a top has been enshrined in Catalan equality law since 2020.

But several public pools continued to turn away women who exercised this right.

Now, the Catalan government's Department of Equality and Feminism has written a letter to town and city halls reminding them of their obligation to permit topless swimmers of whatever sex.

Preventing women from going topless “excludes part of the population and violates the free choice of each person with regard to their body,” the letter reads.

"Local authorities must defend against discrimination for any motive… including sex or gender, religious convictions or dress."

Pools that fail to comply with the equality law could face a €500,000 fine.

So if you’re planning on travelling to the Spanish region, make sure you pack a bikini - but don’t sweat if you forget the top half.

The Feminist group Mugrons Lliures (Free Nipples) has welcomed the decision.

"This is a gender equality issue: Men could [go topless] and women couldn't,” spokeswoman Mariona Trabal said.

"We don't know why they have taken so long, but we are very happy."

And some pool-goers share this view.

“I would go topless, of course I would, and many times I have been told to cover up,” one female Spanish swimmer told EBU.

“Everyone should be free to go without a top if they don`t feel like it, I understand that in a private pool you are subject to what the owner decides, but in public pools we have to go the same for men and women,” agreed another.

“If they don’t wear a top, we don’t have to wear one either.”

The left-leaning Catalan government launched a campaign last year to normalise women going topless if they want to.

“The sexualisation of women starts when they are young, and it accompanies us all our lives. That we must cover up our breasts in some spaces is proof,” a video released as part of the campaign said.

RECENT NEWS

Christmas Jobs: How Are Postings And Searches Faring This Season?

Seasonal job postings and searches on Indeed in the UK show a clear trend, peaking in November. In 2024, searches hit a ... Read more

Irish PM Simon Harris Says Israel's Decision To Shutter Dublin Embassy 'regrettable'

Israel announced on Sunday it would shut its mission in the Irish capital because of what Israel's Foreign Minister call... Read more

€70 Billion A Year For 25 Years: The Cost To Get Europes Energy System Ready For Green Transition

“If our competitiveness hinges on having the cheapest energy prices in the world, we have a problem,” E.ON’s CEO t... Read more

Markets Week Ahead: Eurozone Business Activities And Fed Rate Decision In Focus

Market movements this week will hinge on eurozone business activity data and key interest rate decisions by major centra... Read more

Clean-up Ongoing In Mayotte After Cyclone Chido Devastates French Overseas Territory

Chido brought winds in excess of 220kph when it made landfall on Saturday, according to the French weather service, ripp... Read more

Starmer In Norway To Discuss Green Energy Deal Ahead Of Defence Talks In Estonia

Starmer said the energy partnership with Norway would help boost growth and protect against fluctuations in energy price... Read more