(OCEAN CITY, Md.) - Saturday, Ocean City passed an emergency ordinance banning women from being topless on the beach.
It was an emphatic statement after multiple news reports and social media suggested laws against semi-nudity would not be enforced.
"We needed clarity for the residents by the thousands that come here to Ocean City to enjoy our beach free of this type of activity," Mayor Richard Meehan said.
This all started when a resident complained to the state's attorney general about her equal rights. because she believes if men can go bare-chested on the beach, women should have the same freedom.
"I'm not gonna question what her rights are or not but this started to lead to the conversation and then there was some misinformation about enforcement on the beach. The police department will respond and has always responded to this type of activity," said Meehan.
The mayor says the topless ban had to be clarified because of the citizens and visitors, especially parents.
"Because we respect their rights, and we wanted to make sure their rights to enjoy our beach, our boardwalk, our city with their families without having to worry about that type of activities taking place," The mayor said.