The Legalise Nudist Beaches and Topless Bathing in Malta Group has again called on the government to legalise naturism.
It said in a statement this morning that naturism rejected blind conformity to cultural mores and assumptions about the body, which saw clothing as a constant necessity, in favour of a more reasoned, rational approach which recognised the need for clothing to be dependent on context.
“As a non sexual and non anti religious activity that is practiced widely in Europe, Malta too should give this choice of belief to its citizens and tourists alike. The belief that naturism is not immoral is not different from the right of an individual to practice a religion.
“This is irrespective of whether one choose to attend such spot or not. Whilst Maltese naturists may be few, many citizens feel that they are entitled to have this choice and that it also adds diversification and additional income from the tourist industry.
“In a Europe without borders with shared common values we believe that Malta should also give and share EU citizens right for this choice,” the group said.
It said that the excuse that there was not enough space for naturist activity was wrong as both this government and the previous one had allowed illegal buildings to occupy beaches.
“We are happy and feel that it is enough for us to have some land that is currently occupied illegally with the blessing or inaction of both PN and PL, dedicated and monitored for our practice.
“In terms of the law the definition of what is moral and what is not needs to be defined clearly as per European conventions of human rights. The bikini was once immoral in Malta and nowadays the g-string is accepted at all beaches. We are not asking to go nude on all beaches but merely to have some space for us.”
The group said that although the Nationalist government did little to help their cause, the former Justice Ministry had plans to decriminalise 'skinny dipping'.
“It is therefore important that PL continues on the PN's plan and practice what they preached in rights for all by starting the process to legalise naturism here.
“We have a significant number of politicians who support our cause for choice and who are waiting for directions from the current government,” the group said.