Tuesday, July 8, 1997
Councillors to vote on bare breast resolution
By JASON BROWN
Ottawa Sun
A motion making the rounds in Ontario aimed at banning women from doffing their tops in public will go before Kanata and Gloucester city councils tonight.
Both councils have a proposal on their agendas calling on the feds to amend the Criminal Code to either prohibit or limit female toplessness in public places
The proposal originated in Chatham, located about 80 km east of Windsor, and is being sent to councils throughout the province for endorsement.
But many of the councillors in both Kanata and Gloucester admit they really haven't given the issue much thought.
"I think that it has its place," said Kanata Coun. Pam Cripps. "I have no opposition to nude beaches or other places the community feels it's acceptable."
Cripps said she gets the impression the community doesn't support the idea of bare-breasted women being allowed to walk down the streets of Kanata.
"I think I would have to consider how the majority of people felt about it in any decision I make," Cripps said.
Kanata Coun. Tom Flood also said he hasn't seen the proposal but said he thinks toplessness is a "modesty issue" and most women in Kanata will likely keep their shirts on.
"I don't think we're going to have a major problem with it," Flood said.
Gloucester Coun. Michael Denny said he's going to wait to hear both sides of the topless argument before he decides whether to endorse Chatham's proposal.
"I think a lot of these things are blown out of proportion, though," said Denny. "I think it's reactionary on the part of some municipalities."
Vanier Mayor Guy Cousineau said he would endorse the motion in a heartbeat.
"I'm anxious to see the content of this resolution," Cousineau said. "I'm sure this council would be in favor of it."
Vanier Coun. Diane Dore said she actually has the city clerk working on a similar resolution. She said she hopes to unveil it at next Tuesday's council meeting.