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Women win the right to swim topless, like men, in Berlin

Women win the right to swim topless, like men, in Berlin

Women in Berlin can now swim topless in the city's public pools if they wish – just as men can go shirtless.

As well as being hailed as a step forward for gender equality in the German capital, the measure introduced this week brought back to life Germany's 19th-century culture of freeing the body.

Berlin authorities took action after a swimmer said she was prevented from visiting one of the city's pools without covering her chest in December 2022.

Authorities agreed the woman had been the victim of discrimination and this week said all visitors to Berlin's swimming pools are allowed to swim topless.

"As a result of a discrimination complaint, 'sunbathing' establishments in Berlin will in future apply their regulations in a gender-equal manner," the statement reads.

The head of the office of the People's Advocate, Dr. Doris Liebscher hailed the move as a step forward for gender equality in the city.

Many are skeptical that all women will use this right that has been given to them, but the decision has been made.