Second Annual 'Go-Topless Day' Protest

Raelians' to Stage Second Annual 'Go-Topless Day' Protest ... Aug. 23 events to honor Women's Equality Day

NEW YORK - For the second consecutive year, U.S.-based GoTopless.org plans to stage a national Go-Topless Day protest in late August to proclaim women's constitutional right to go bare-chested in public. In cities where it's already legal for women to show breasts in public, GoTopless will encourage them to exercise that right.

"As long as men can go topless, women should have the same constitutional right or men should also be forced to wear something that hides their chests," said Rael, founder of both the Raelian Movement and GoTopless.org

The organization has decided to hold its protest events annually on the Sunday before Women's Equality Day, which is celebrated Aug. 26. On that date in 1920, after a 72-year struggle, women earned the right to vote. In 1970, Congress declared Aug. 26 Women's Equality Day "to remind people of women's continuing efforts for equality."

GoTopless.org includes not only Raelians, who believe all life on Earth was created by advanced extraterrestrial scientists called the Elohim, but women and men representing many other beliefs. GoTopless's primary goals: nationwide legal recognition of women's right to go bare-chested and its acceptance by the public.

"Breasts are noble parts of the anatomy," said Raelian Priestess Nadine Gary, president of GoTopless.org. "They shouldn't have to be hidden any more than arms or legs. 'Free your breasts, free your mind!' is our message to women. Men can practice respecting a freedom they take for granted and help end the puritanical idea that children shouldn't see breasts unless a woman is nursing."

"Concern for children can be used as an excuse to violate human rights," said psychologist Daniel Chabot, a Raelian bishop. "But a child who sees breasts experiences no adverse effects. European children have been proving that for 40 years."

Protest events will include marches, art displays; musical performances and speeches about top-less freedom.

"The art works won't be censured for including nipples," Gary said. "In fact, we're encouraging the artists to celebrate the entire breast in all its magnificence and beauty!"

August 23 events are planned in cities nationwide. The New York City protest will take place in Central Park, next to the Columbus Circle entrance (59th street / 8th Ave) at 12pm (noon).