Hundreds Go Topless in Venice

VENICE, CA - Between 200 to 300 people marched topless along the Venice Beach boardwalk today as part of an annual procession pushing for a change in laws to allow females to go topless at the beach -- just like their male counterparts.

As of 2:30 p.m., the demonstration was "very peaceful," with no arrests or incidents, according to a watch commander with the Los Angeles Police Department's Pacific Division.

There were about four protesters against the Go Topless march, which is "the usual" for the annual event, the watch commander said.

The Venice march began around 1 p.m. at the northern end of Ocean Front Walk at Navy Street and proceeded along the boardwalk to Windward Circle for another rally, organizers said.

It mirrors similar processions planned across the country, according to organizers.

"We're working toward freeing women's nipples and obtaining equal gender topless rights that are enforced worldwide," said Beatrice Charles of the local branch of GoTopless, the sponsor of the event.

The event annually attracts large crowds of camera-wielding onlookers.

Event organizers noted that the Venice Neighborhood Council last year approved a resolution in support of women going topless at the beach, but such a change would require the approval of the city and county.

City News Service