In Catalonia, women are free to swim with bare torsos in all public swimming pools, Euronews reports. The Generalitat states that ‘topless’ prohibition would be considered discrimination. It is also permitted to attend these facilities wearing burkinis, full-body swimsuits commonly worn by Muslim women.
During the summer of 2022, the Catalan government received several complaints of discrimination in public swimming pools. For this reason, a letter was sent to all the municipalities in the region, reminding them of these aspects and emphasizing other points as well.
For example, breastfeeding must be allowed, and, of course, the text states that no group should be denied entry based on their ethnic origin, as may have happened with racially diverse groups of young people or Roma families.
This reminder from the authorities of Catalonia reflects their commitment to supporting women's rights to freedom of expression and choice. The permission to sunbathe and swim topless in public pools confirms the region's progressive and tolerant approach to women's bodily autonomy. It also acknowledges that breastfeeding is a natural and essential process that should be accepted by society.
The prohibition of certain swimsuits remains a controversial topic in other parts of Europe. In France, dozens of holiday resorts have attempted to ban the burkini. Last year, the country's highest judicial body confirmed the ban on this garment in public swimming pools.
During the summer of 2022, the Catalan government received several complaints of discrimination in public swimming pools. For this reason, a letter was sent to all the municipalities in the region, reminding them of these aspects and emphasizing other points as well.
For example, breastfeeding must be allowed, and, of course, the text states that no group should be denied entry based on their ethnic origin, as may have happened with racially diverse groups of young people or Roma families.
This reminder from the authorities of Catalonia reflects their commitment to supporting women's rights to freedom of expression and choice. The permission to sunbathe and swim topless in public pools confirms the region's progressive and tolerant approach to women's bodily autonomy. It also acknowledges that breastfeeding is a natural and essential process that should be accepted by society.
The prohibition of certain swimsuits remains a controversial topic in other parts of Europe. In France, dozens of holiday resorts have attempted to ban the burkini. Last year, the country's highest judicial body confirmed the ban on this garment in public swimming pools.