‘Inappropriate’: Uproar over Aussie council’s G-string bikini ban
A skimpy swimwear style has been banned at number of public pools – sparking outrage among Aussies: “This is so disgusting.”
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A local council has sparked outrage after it labelled G-string bikinis as “inappropriate” swimwear for its pools.
Blue Mountains Leisure Centres (BMLC), an arm of the Blue Mountains City Council, recently confirmed its ban on skimpy swimmers following confusion from visitors to its swimming pools.
Pool users had been left scratching their heads after a poster showing the kind of swimwear that is and isn’t appropriate according to council standards was recently displayed at BMLC venues, including Katoomba Sports and Aquatic Centre, Springwood Aquatic and Fitness Centre, Blackheath Pool and Glenbrook Swim Centre.
To clarify the situation, BMLC took to its Facebook page to state: “Thongs and G-string swimwear is not acceptable for males or females when visiting our leisure centres.”
It added that “bikinis are acceptable and considered recognised swimwear”.
The ban quickly sparked anger among Australians, with many expressing shock at the “old-fashioned” and “ridiculous” rules.
Model Jess King condemned the decision, stating it has huge implications for women, the main wearers of two-piece cossies.
“Such a ban implies that the human body – specifically the bum, (which we all have!!) – is inherently inappropriate or sexualised, reinforcing shame rather than promoting acceptance,” she shared on Instagram Stories.
TV hosts Sarah Harris and Georgie Tunny also weighed in on the debate during a segment dedicated to the ban that aired on The Project.
“I just don’t care what people are wearing,” Tunny said.
“If they feel confident enough to wear that, then I am happy for them to do it.”
Harris agreed, stating: “I wish I could wear them. My bum looks like a garbage bag filled with cottage cheese. If you’ve got it, flaunt it.”
Everyday Aussies were more divided on the issue, with some blasting the ban as “outrageous”.
“This is absolutely ridiculous, the people that’s eyebrows are being ‘raised’ shouldn’t be at a public pool if they can’t control themselves,” one said.
“So long as practically and safety are considered it shouldn’t be any one else’s business what I’m comfortable swimming in,” mused another.
As one resident blasted: “As a Blue Mountains local I’m outraged, this is so disgusting.”
Meanwhile some argued it was necessary due to the fact children frequented many local swimming pools.
“It’s not outdated, it’s decent,” one lamented.
“I agree it’s not something I wanna see,” another raged.
As one claimed: “You don’t think kids are looking, but they definitely are. It’s not appropriate.”
Others pointed out the apparent double standard, asking whether budgy smugglers would also be banned.
It’s not the first time G-string bikinis have caused controversy, with some calling for a ban on the trendy swimwear design at Aussie beaches after a Gold Coast resident claimed women and girls who wear the cossies to the beach are “cheapening themselves”.
However women protested against the calls, with outspoken personality Abbie Chatfield later describing a G-string ban as “policing women’s bodies”.
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Originally published as ‘Inappropriate’: Uproar over Aussie council’s G-string bikini ban
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