I refer to the letter by Anne Busuttil (April 12). To "let" woman bathe topless would not be the exact wording I would use. I would prefer to say that we have no right to stop them, especially since Malta boasts to be a free and democratic country. I see no connection with topless bathing and "exhibitionism" or "pornography". If that were the case, then maybe we should start covering statues and paintings with bare breasts. Maybe we should censor documentaries about African countries where women walk around topless.

Surely, an attractive girl with a small bikini is more provocative than an elderly topless woman. A woman could even be provocative with her clothes on, in a nightclub or even an office. So where do we draw the line? Should women cover their body completely, just in case it might appear to be provocative and break up a marriage?

Just as it is not the gun which kills people but the person who pulls the trigger, the same thing can be said for anything leading to marriage break-ups. So far I have not yet heard of a man who has been forced to watch pornography or to look at topless women on the beach.

My first letter (March 31) was not an attempt to change the law, as it makes no difference to me, as long as I am allowed to swim topless myself. My letter was about people minding their own business and worrying about more important matters. It was also about people speaking in the name of Maltese culture to strengthen their point. Without getting into debates about laws, religion, culture and pride, isn't it time that we actually "live and let live" (and I am not only referring to topless bathing, but anything else that doesn't personally affect us).