Take Two translates the day’s headlines for Southern California, making sense of the news and cultural events that affect our lives. Produced by Southern California Public Radio and broadcast from October 2012 – June 2021. Hosted by A Martinez.
Venice Neighborhood Council wants L.A. City Council to OK women going topless at Venice Beach, according to the L.A. Times.
Supporters say it's about women having equal rights. The Times reports:
"In a 12-2 vote, the Venice Neighborhood Council said it 'supports women being afforded the same rights as men to sunbathe topless.' Of course, the City Council doesn’t have to heed the group’s recommendation."
Venice Neighborhood Council says Venice Beach was designed around the European culture of Venice, Italy. And because sunbathing naked is common in Europe, why not on Venice Beach?
Venice hasn't been completely free from nakedness in the past. Nudity was allowed in 1974 — but things got out of control, according to LAist.
There's also a National Go Topless Day, which protests against gender discrimination. It's celebrated in Venice annually, and L.A Weekly has covered it in the past; check out their NSFW photos here (if you dare).
Weigh in: What do you think? Should women be able to sunbathe topless at Venice Beach? Let us know in comments. We'll discuss in an upcoming Take Two segment.