Berlin Allows Topless Swimming for Women: A Right Few Exercise
Following a discrimination complaint from a woman barred from a Berlin pool for swimming topless, city authorities have mandated gender-equitable bathing regulations in all public pools. This decision, supported by the city’s ombudsman, allows women, men, and non-binary individuals to swim topless. The ruling reflects Germany’s historical embrace of “Freikoerperkultur” (free body culture), a movement emphasizing the health benefits of nudity. This aligns with broader societal acceptance of nudity in Germany, contrasting with attitudes in other countries.
John Q. Hosedrinker