Sydney Council prohibits bikinis on buses

A local council in Sydney, Australia, has reignited a long-standing debate over public dress codes by prohibiting beachgoers from boarding city buses topless or wearing bikinis. According to reports from U.S. CNN and other foreign media on the 13th, the regional council overseeing Sydney’s northern coastal areas has posted notices on city buses traveling to and from popular beaches stating, "Passengers must wear outer clothing." However, the decision to allow boarding based on passenger attire has been left to the discretion of bus drivers.

This measure follows complaints from some passengers who found swimsuit-clad passengers "unsightly," and it has been reported that elderly commuters support these restrictions. A middle-aged woman interviewed said, "We are a bit old-fashioned and would prefer people to dress neatly when using public transportation." Another woman added, "Buses are narrow, enclosed spaces, and passengers in swimsuits felt uncomfortable." A male resident also stated, "I sometimes feel embarrassed when I see people walking around almost naked."

In contrast, a young woman pointed out the ambiguity of the criteria, saying, "The issue is where to draw the line," and noted, "Many people board buses in athletic wear." Currently, the local council’s website lists bus regulations prohibiting food consumption, smoking, and the bringing of surfboards, but dress code rules have not yet been updated.

CNN reported that this controversy is reminiscent of the so-called "Bikini War" that once heated up Australian society. In 1961, over 50 women were arrested en masse at Sydney’s Bondi Beach for violating swimwear regulations. At the time, authorities strictly regulated the length of women’s swimsuits, but later eased the rules to allow swimsuits deemed "appropriate and sufficient."

Recently, conflicts over beach attire have also emerged in Australia. In 2024, a proposal to ban bikinis in the form of string panties on the streets of Gold Coast in eastern Australia sparked nationwide pro and con protests.

- The Chosun