2016.12.13 Stuff
A 'free the nipple' event planned for Wellington this weekend has been organised in the name of gender equality, but naysayers claim it will simply put women at risk of predators.
Hundreds of bare-chested women are expected to converge on Oriental Bay on Saturday for
'Wellington Free the Nipple Beach Day'.
More than 1100 people have registered their interest in the event, with organiser Pollyanna Besley encouraging them to "do something that they may want to do, but be too scared to do alone".
"People will have lots of different reasons for wanting to come to an attend an event like this, or be topless in general," Besley said.
"I think it's really important that we listen to the many women saying that they want to do this, that it makes them feel empowered to do something men do without even thinking."
But critics - both men and women - have condemned it on social media.
"If men are sexual predators who view women as objects, why the f--- is your solution to battling this getting your boobs out in public? This is the definition of regressive feminism and why so few women choose to identify as one," one male critic said.
As the event is in an outdoor, public place, Besley said she was fully aware people might take photos of the topless women without their consent, and anyone thinking of attending needed to consider the risks.
Besley warned: "I wouldn't call it a safe space, many people - especially those in more marginalised communities - could feel unsafe and uncomfortable at this kind of event".
She added she'd been physically, sexually and verbally assaulted "in both short dresses and old pyjamas", but wanted the event to "challenge the idea that anyone has rights to our bodies".
But a female critic said "men are laughing at us".
"They don't care about our supposed cause or the reason behind women stripping off, they just enjoy that we are.
"The fact that so many men support this movement indicates just how un-revolutionary it is."
Family First director Bob McCoskrie said "exposing yourself and offensive behaviour in public has nothing to do with gender equality".
"These groups are trying to link what may be a legitimate argument with offensive behaviour."
He said gender equality should happen in the workplace and in generally accepting and respecting each other.
McCoskrie said he had no problem with women breastfeeding in public, but "to try and link exposing yourself and gender equality is a bridge too far".
"Police should do everything they can to stop it."
Police said they were unlikely to have a presence at the event, "but we would obviously respond to any calls for service as required," a spokeswoman said.
Participating women would not be not committing indecent exposure by baring their breasts.
Under the Summary Offence Act 1981, indecent exposure is when a person intentionally and obscenely exposes any part of their genitals.
Besley said her actions were inspired by similar events in Auckland, which were aimed at desexualising women's bodies. The most recent was on December 4 in Albert Park, and another is planned for December 17.
