In a progressive move towards gender equality, the Catalan government has taken a stand for women's freedom to swim topless at public swimming pools. The regional government of Catalonia has firmly declared that public pools within its jurisdiction cannot ban women from exercising this right. This significant affirmation comes as a reminder to several public pools in Catalonia that have continued to turn away women who wished to swim without a top, despite the provision being enshrined in the Catalan equality law since 2020.

Government Intervention and Obligation

The Department of Equality and Feminism of the Catalan government has taken proactive steps to address the issue. They have written a letter to town and city halls, emphasizing their obligation to permit topless swimmers of any sex. 

The letter asserts that by preventing women from going topless, these public pools exclude a portion of the population and infringe upon individuals' free choice regarding their bodies. It also emphasizes that local authorities must defend against any form of discrimination, including factors such as sex or gender, religious convictions, or dress.

Consequences for Non-Compliance

Public pools in Catalonia that fail to comply with the equality law could face a substantial fine of €500,000. This strict penalty underscores the seriousness with which the government views the issue and aims to ensure that public pools align their practices with the principles of gender equality.

Public Reaction and Support

The decision to advocate for women's topless freedom at public pools has received positive responses from various groups and individuals. Mugrons Lliures (Free Nipples), a feminist group, has warmly welcomed this progressive step. Mariona Trabal, a spokesperson for the group, has emphasized that this is a matter of gender equality, highlighting the previous discrepancy where men were allowed to go topless while women were not. She expressed happiness at the government's intervention and hopes for a more inclusive future.

Many women who have personally experienced restrictions on going topless at public pools have also voiced their support for the new rule. An anonymous Spanish swimmer shared her experience of being told to cover up, stating that she would gladly go topless and appreciates the freedom this decision brings. Others echoed similar sentiments, emphasizing the importance of equal treatment for both men and women at public pools. They argue that the choice to go without a top should be available to all, and private pools may have their own regulations, but in public spaces, equality should prevail.

Government's Commitment to Normalizing Topless Freedom

The left-leaning Catalan government has demonstrated its commitment to promoting gender equality and normalizing women's choice to swim topless. Last year, they launched a campaign specifically aimed at encouraging and accepting women's decision to go topless if they desire. The campaign highlighted the issue of the sexualization of women, which often begins at a young age and persists throughout their lives. A video released as part of the campaign emphasized that the requirement for women to cover their breasts in certain spaces is indicative of this societal issue. By advocating for women's topless freedom, the government seeks to challenge these norms and create a more inclusive and equitable society.

In conclusion, 

The Catalan government's support for women's topless freedom at public pools represents a significant step towards gender equality. By reminding public pools of their obligation to permit topless swimmers of any sex, the government aims to eliminate discrimination and uphold individual freedom of choice. The positive reactions from feminist groups and individuals further validate the importance of this decision. With this progressive approach, the Catalan government continues its journey towards creating a more inclusive society and challenging societal norms that perpetuate gender inequality.