Semi-nude women demonstrated Sunday afternoon “I realize that society has sexualized a lot of things, but I must say, when I see men jogging in running shorts, I just see men jogging in running shorts, without a shirt because it’s hot, and I want that privilege,” said Kelly Rupp…who demonstrated in Austin.
The rallies were organized as a response to “open carry” demonstrations by gun owners, who brought firearms into national chains such as Target and Starbucks.
Similar events organized by Las Vegas-based GoTopless were held in at least 50 cities around the world.
Topless protesters upset gun-rights supporters last month in Austin, where they confronted open-carry demonstrators with mocking signs.
“Unlike the wave of people who advocate for their second amendment rights by waving around their guns, I don’t normally go shopping without my shirt on - it’s a matter of basic respect for others,” said Phyllis Masters, one of the topless protesters. “But since these ammosexuals feel it necessary to exercise their right to take a gun out for a date, (another protester) and I decided to exercise our own.”
A Facebook post announcing the Texas events compared open carry, which is legal in the state, to the public baring of a woman’s breasts, which is illegal in San Antonio but not Austin.
“If breasts are more dangerous to children than weapons, then something is truly wrong with our society!” the post says.
The event has been held on the Sunday closest to Women’s Equality Day for the past five years in Austin and has drawn about 60 demonstrators each time.
No arrests were made at this year’s rallies.** in Texas demanding the right to go topless in public
The women wore tape over their nipples during the demonstration in downtown San Antonio, where they were joined by about two-dozen supporters.
A similar rally was held in downtown Austin.
September 6, 2014 7:16 AM
