Bikini-Wearing Woman In Valletta Leads To Intense Online Discussion About Public Nudity In Malta
Footage of a woman walking through Valletta has led to hundreds upon hundreds of comments from across Malta discussing one thing – how okay are we with public nudity?
The debate kicked off after Maltese Facebook page Malta Dizastru Totali shared footage of a woman casually walking down Republic Street, Valletta, wearing a black bikini. In the footage, no one seems to bat an eyelid as the woman goes about her day.
However, online, people had a lot to say.
Before we jump into the comments, it’s worth noting that public nudity is illegal in Malta under Article 338(q) of the Criminal Code – and it goes a step further, saying being “indecently dressed” or wearing swimwear more than 100m away from the shore is not allowed… however, what is considered “indecent” is vague and could be left up to interpretation, and more than anything, this law is rarely actually enforced. However, one can be fined up to €700 if an officer does decide to enforce the rule.
Some people were shocked that someone could walk through a busy main road in a bikini, while others pointed out how wrong it was to film someone without their consent.
Others didn’t see anything wrong with the scene at all.
“Prosit hi, a nearly naked woman walking down the main street and God bless not one police officer in the street, everything goes nowadays in this country,” said one woman.
“So what? She is doing nothing wrong,” said another man. “Open your mind people.. There are worse things in life. Lots of buildings, corruption and this is annoying you? Everyone is jealous of everyone else.. How about mind your business and let people live.”
“I don’t see any disaster, she’s just come from the beach and is probably in a rush,” said a third.
One woman commented on how suitors would flirt with women “even dressed as a nun, let alone like this” while others couldn’t hep but note that she still had on her shoes and socks.
“Maybe someone stole her clothes!” joked another.
This is far from the first time someone’s choice of clothing led to national discussions about the island’s approach to public nudity.
From music festival attire, to tourists enjoying the sea then going for a leisurely walk, to people just trying to turn down the summer heat – you can expect to see more and more comfortable outfits in Malta’s future.
Do you think the woman was all good, or in the wrong for her outfit choice? Sound off in the comments below
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