"Engaging in Obscene and Antisocial Behavior"
Mandatory Use of Patient Gowns from Early April
The Byron Bay City Council on the east coast of Australia has announced plans to suspend the operation of the nude beach within the nature reserve starting in April and to mandate swimsuit wearing, citing environmental destruction caused by visitors to the nude beach. As naturists advocating for the allowance of the nude beach push back, the local government and residents remain determined to enforce the closure, and clashes are expected to continue.
According to CNN on the 13th (local time), the Byron Bay City Council is scheduled to vote on the 22nd whether to suspend the operation of the nude beach within the Tyagarah Nature Reserve and to mandate swimsuit wearing. It is highly likely that the council will pass the measure.
A conservation plan report submitted to the city council previously indicated that the operation of the nude beach has a negative impact on the environment. The report stated, "Visitors have been moving around naked even in areas near the reserve, and there have been reports pointing out their aggressive, obscene, and antisocial behavior," adding, "Local police have been tasked with handling complaints from residents about incidents occurring on the beach." The city authorities also believe that these individuals freely roam within the nature reserve and are causing environmental damage.
However, naturist groups supporting the operation of the nude beach are opposing the decision. Bradley Benham, representative of Byron Naturists, a naturist group in Byron Bay, collected 1,125 signatures opposing the suspension of the nude beach and submitted a petition to Penny Sharpe, the New South Wales Minister for the Environment.
Benham stated, "Recreation enjoyed in the nude is one of the legitimate lifestyles," and added, "Legal spaces for the naturist community are rare in Australia, and this beach is especially highly regarded." He continued, "I have enjoyed nude swimming here since my childhood in the 70s and 80s. Now, there are many more beach users than before, and a legally recognized area for the nude beach is necessary."
However, the city council and local residents hold a firm stance, making it unlikely that their objections will be accepted. CNN reported that if the bill passes, swimsuit wearing will be mandatory in the Tyagarah Nature Reserve starting April 8.
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