Case of Topless Sunbather Triggers Fierce Debate

(Newser) – An Italian mother who called the cops on a topless sunbather who was "troubling" her young sons by sensuously applying sunscreen has sparked a furious debate on the lack of couture on Italy's beaches. "Something like this happening in 2010 is absurd," snorted the Roman attorney for the 26-year-old topless woman. "It was a public beach and she could see no harm in what she was doing." He conceded that his "tall, brunette" client has an "ample breast," and is "naturally going to be sensuous when she applies cream to her chest," reports the Telegraph.

But that should "not lead to my client being convicted" for doing something that is perfectly legal on Italian beaches, he added. La Repubblica was completely sympathetic, and indicated the complaining mom has "mental pathologies." Where was the sunbather "supposed to apply the cream—on her clothes?" the newspaper wondered. An etiquette expert noted, however, that toplessness on the beach is falling out of fashion, and most people get their tans indoors at salons, so they can spend time on the sand "semi-clothed and socializing." Cops have filed a report but apparently aren't taking any action. A police spokesman did note, however, that the sunbather was "very attractive."