Sydney Council's G-String Ban at Public Pools Draws National Backlash
The Blue Mountains Leisure Centres' decision to prohibit G-string swimwear has reignited a century-long debate over women's swimwear and body autonomy in Australia.
- The Blue Mountains City Council in Sydney has banned G-string swimwear at its public pools, citing the need for 'appropriate swimwear' guidelines.
- The council clarified the ban applies to both men and women, emphasizing that bikinis are acceptable but G-strings and thongs are not.
- The ban has sparked widespread criticism, with opponents arguing it perpetuates outdated attitudes and unfairly places responsibility for morality on women.
- The controversy is part of Australia's long history of policing women's swimwear, dating back to the early 20th century when beach inspectors measured and enforced modesty standards.
- Critics, including academics and public figures, argue the ban reinforces the sexualization of women's bodies and undermines progress toward body acceptance and gender equality.
The Times 
The Guardian 