Gold Coast g-string bikini ban: Reaction to calls for two-piece swimwear to be barred in public

Controversial calls to outlaw the g-string bikini bottom off the beach on the Gold Coast have been declared a recipe for disaster for the city. SEE THE REACTION AND HAVE YOUR SAY

Mayor Tom Tate has dismissed controversial calls to outlaw the g-string bottomed-bikini off the beach, saying a ban on the two-piece swimsuit would be a recipe for disaster.

The skimpy swimwear is being targeted by long-time community worker Ian Grace, the founder and president of the Youth Music Venture, who says it’s time the skimpy bikinis be barred away from the water.

WHAT DO YOU THINK? HAVE YOUR SAY IN OUR POLL BELOW

The Bulletin revealed on Saturday that Mr Grace, a finalist in the 2023 Gold Coast Australian of the Year Local Hero category and 2022 Gold Coast Volunteer of the Year, had written to the Mayor asking for changes after an encounter at a council function run by Coolangatta councillor Gail O’Neill.

Ian Grace from Youth Music Venture. Picture: Jerad Williams

“One young lady in particular was walking on the footpath on the main road and had the tiniest triangle in front and was as close to naked as anyone could be,” he wrote.

“You could see she was looking almost defiantly at people as they approached, almost daring them to say something. There’s something very wrong here.

“While any man would enjoy ‘the view’, I believe women are very much demeaning and cheapening themselves, portraying themselves as sex objects, then decrying it when men see them that way.”

Mr Grace said it was an issue which should be dealt with.

Bikinis have been linked to the Gold Coast for nearly 80 years.

“Bare bums can be seen to be every bit as erotic if not more so, than women’s bare breasts – so would it not make sense they are banned identically? If not banned at the beach, very definitely banned the moment they are off the beach,” he said.

“This certainly should not be allowed in public pools or theme/water parks which are very much more family orientated.

“Young kids don’t need to see women’s bums.”.

But Mr Tate said he had no plans to ban bikini bottoms and said it was dangerous to mess with fashion.

Mayor Tom Tate. Picture: Glenn Campbell

“Ian is a brave man messing with women’s fashion,” he said.

“One thing I’ve learnt about fashion over the years is that if you try to ban something, or restrict it, that’s a certain recipe to see it double in popularity.

“I’ve also learnt that when your wife says ‘does this look good on me’, always say Yes.”

Mr Grace’s proposal has attracted plenty of comments from Bulletin readers who were split over its value.

One reader argued there “was a time and place for bare bums” but not in public.

It’s not the first time a community leader has weighed in on banning fashion on the Coast.

Former Southport councillor Dawn Crichlow was a longstanding supporter of banning ties and suits on the Gold Coast, arguing they were too formal for the city’s laid-back lifestyle.

In late 1991 the newly elected Cr Crichlow called for businessmen and those caught wearing suits or formal clothes to be given on-the-spot fines.

At the time, she said the Gold Coast was a holiday destination and everyone should wear casual clothes to reflect the easygoing and friendly atmosphere.

The idea was against raised in 2016 “The way I look at it, you don’t wear a tie in heaven, so why would you wear one in paradise,” she said at the time.

WHAT GOLD COASTERS HAD TO SAY

Gold Coasters have weighed in on whether they want to bikini to stay.

Bulletin readers have responded to founder and president of local charity Youth Music Venture, Ian Grace’s call to ban G-strings at Gold Coast beaches.

Readers are split with many “applauding” the call.

“Sadly I must agree,” one user wrote on the Bulletin website.

“These young teasers have not learned it is what is hidden that excites, not what is flaunted publicly for all to see.”

Another referred to G-string bikini’s as “disgusting and embarrassing” while another reader wrote: “I agree and applaud Mr Grace for saying something. There is a time and a place for bare bums and it is not in public around children.”

Others say “ogling” men need to better to control their thoughts.

“Maybe men should be made to cover their chests? After all, women may find them sexy,” one reader voiced on the website.

“Oh and speedo type briefs for men, which let’s be honest, leave little to the imagination. “Why is the onus on women to cover up instead of men not objectifying? Yes, as humans we look, doesn’t mean you ogle or comment on it. Glance and look away.”

Readers on Instagram were swung more against the call.

One user wrote: “The issue here is people VIEWING them as sex objects, not the ones wearing the bikinis. If you’re looking at them as sex objects, YOU’RE the problem, seek help.”

Another Instagram user paralleled the concept to liberated European countries.

“In most European countries on the med women can do as they please on the beach and men remain by and at large respectful but here we suddenly start trying to censor them? Maybe stop thinking about sex all the time and let women express their bodies how they choose?!”

Others suggested we ban budgie smugglers and misogynistic views from having a platform.