What you said about calls to ban the G-string bikini on Gold Coast beaches

Welcome to the great bum debate – the future of the g-string bikini is up in the air following calls for a ban. JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Welcome to the great bum debate.

The future of the g-string bikini has been called into question, with long-time Gold Coast community worker Ian Grace, the founder and president of the Youth Music Venture, pleading for a ban of super skimpy outfits off the beach.

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.

“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.

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

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

The calls for the ban sparked national attention, as well as the initiation of a #Freethepeach protest on the Gold Coast.

Readers were torn on their views.

Some suggested it’s time to wear more; others claimed people can wear whatever they like.

Meanwhile others claimed there are much bigger issues that need to be addressed.

See what you had to say below and join the conversation >>>

WHAT YOU SAID

What a mess

Wayne

Just stop and think what their skin is going to look like in the future. They will be old before their time and prime candidates for skin cancer.

Doglover

Wonder how all these supporters of the big bare would feel if their doctor turned up wearing the G. Or their pilot. There comes a point where modesty has to rule.

Kora

Each to their own but a quick look in the mirror would in some cases be beneficial

James

Can you imagine being on the bum squad?

Jo

I sometimes wonder about a society that can glorify shocking violence in gang culture, movies and video games but baulks at nudity, which is a much more natural state.

Nicole Seymour

Can we just stop censoring everything and everyone, why have Aussie become so up tight.

There are bigger issues

Joe

Those who can, do, those who can’t bleat.

PENDING

Aside from anything else, anyone heard of skin cancer?

Jennifer

Women complain about being stalked. Unfortunately some of them get repeated. Parading around nearly naked on a beach, which you should be able to do, only encourages the perverts.

Ronald

People nowadays seem to have no respect or personal pride. Sad

Denise

This year’s Australian of the Year are melanoma researchers. Only a week later and folk have forgotten their slip slop slap message

Aero Bear

Is this really a top priority, world impact, newsworthy story? Each bum to their own. Lucky we live in a country where this is a debatable topic.

I’m OK with them

Bernard

Excellent work by the guy on the Gold Coast to call for a ban on G strings. Soon as he did that more women will wear G strings. Keep up the good work. Thank You

Wayne

Depends on the backside

Luke

Many women seemed comfortable expressing their bodies on and near the beach during my 2006 European Contiki tour. If women in Australia want to show more of their bodies then they should be allowed and can expect some people to look.

Ginger Sapphire

It’s my body and il wear what I want! I will not be dictated to!

Laura Armstrong

Each to his own, I don’t care what people wear although I really don’t enjoy seeing everyone’s bums – I’m not a prude I just don’t feel like I need to see it

Bev

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

Young children don’t care they are the least likely to be upset. It is adults projecting their prejudices onto children when those statements are made.

Rob

I think the one or two talking against this minimal clothing are the one’s who have realised that their time being is very limited. As one gets older, we sometimes get far too conservative in our views and habits.

You only get one go at this life, so go for it, I say!

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

Ban them!

James the Cat

They might as well be naked..

Vandemonian

On the beach - no problem. In bars/restaurants, shopping centres, supermarkets etc I do not think it appropriate and the girls (and some guys) should cover up

Rae

They should be banned from the streets. I would like to see the reaction to a group of men walking down the street in Borat mankinis. They would be locked up for exposing themselves in public.

Maria

Keep the floss on the beach and in your pool not on the streets in pubs, surf clubs or eateries, what’s next bearing your butts on a plane.

Max

Funny how women can go skimpy but expect men to wear bulky shorts

Steve

Can we ban elderly overweight men in speedos too?

Jess Betts

At home sure but in public I don’t think it’s appropriate