"Almost No Clothes"... Country That Once Arrested 50 Women Over Swimwear Faces Uproar Again

Ban on Boarding Buses in Swimwear
New Rule Introduced After Older Riders Complain It Is "Embarrassing"
Debate Over Dress Etiquette in Public Spaces Reignites

A local council in Sydney, Australia has sparked controversy by banning passengers in swimwear from boarding city buses that run to and from the beach. The measure was introduced after a series of complaints from some passengers who said they felt uncomfortable seeing people in swimwear.

U.S. broadcaster CNN reported on the 13th (local time) that the council overseeing Sydney’s northern coastal area had posted notices on community buses informing riders that they must wear outer clothing.

(This photo is not directly related to the article.) Pixabay Pixabay

These buses circulate through famous beach areas such as Manly and Fairlight.

The notice asked bus passengers to "dress appropriately" and stated that "you must wear outer clothing over your swimwear." Whether a passenger is allowed to board is left to the bus driver’s discretion. The restriction is reported to have received particularly strong support from older commuters.

One middle-aged woman said in a broadcast interview, "We are a bit old-fashioned, so we would like people to be properly dressed on public transportation." Another female passenger added, "The bus is a small, enclosed space, so very revealing clothing can feel intimidating." A male resident also said, "I sometimes feel embarrassed when I see someone who is almost not wearing any clothes."

Some, however, argue that the standard is vague. A young woman pointed out, "Then what about workout clothes?" and added, "The problem is drawing the line on what will be allowed."

So far, the council’s website does not officially mention this measure in its bus-use regulations. It only specifies rules such as bans on eating and drinking, smoking, and restrictions on bringing surfboards on board.

CNN noted that the current controversy is reminiscent of the so-called "bikini wars" that once gripped Australian society. In 1961, more than 50 women were arrested in a mass crackdown at Sydney’s Bondi Beach for violating swimwear regulations. At the time, authorities strictly regulated the length of swimsuits, but the rules were later relaxed to allow any swimwear deemed "appropriate and sufficient."