When voters in Nantucket approved a new bylaw, speculation was rampant about the ultimate impact it would have on the island, specifically regarding the permission granted to anyone to go topless on public beaches.
“The predicted event in Daytona Beach of the East Coast was a concern for Tara and Matt, as it could affect tourism in the town. There were concerns about whether it would cause problems, such as men attempting to take videos or photographs of topless beachgoers. Others said that people going topless at family-friendly beaches like Children’s and Jetties could cause fear.”
None of those fears have been realized. The bylaw has turned out to be a complete non-issue, as it is the first summer season halfway through and the law of the land is in accordance with the bylaw as stated in the books.
Lt. Angus MacVicar of the Nantucket Police Department stated, “If this had been presented as an issue, it would have already been taken care of. It is fair to say that we are on the busiest side of the summer, with the 4th of July being the peak time. It doesn’t mean that people have been going topless.” Lt. MacVicar of the Nantucket Police Department added, “We have not received a single report of anyone going topless on the beaches.”
The proprietors of the island’s two surfing academies conveyed the identical information: the regulation regarding bare-breasted sunbathing has not caused any problems at two of Nantucket’s most well-liked beaches – Nobadeer and Cisco.
Despite being informed about the bylaw at the beginning of the summer, the island lifeguards and the police department’s community service officers who patrol the beaches have not come across any concerns regarding individuals capturing images of beachgoers without their tops on.
Sheila Lucey, the Nantucket Harbormaster in charge of the island’s lifeguards, mentioned that up until now, they had not received any complaints, queries, or any other forms of communication.
The Governor of Massachusetts, Maura Healey, who was just elected, had not been sworn into office until last month. The language of the bylaw was approved by Attorney General Healey in December. The bylaw was closely watched and was among the proposals that received the most attention during Nantucket’s Annual Town Meeting in 2022. It was approved by the residents of the island with a vote of 327 to 242 in May.
Stover, an island resident leading the bylaw effort to achieve “equal rights for all genders on island beaches,” agrees with the assessment of town officials, as disclosed to the Current on Tuesday.
Stover mentioned that up until now, it has certainly not been a problem. Individuals have stated that they haven’t encountered anyone without a shirt on. On a daily basis, I stroll along the shorelines and I haven’t witnessed anyone without a shirt on.
Stover mentioned during the Town Meeting that she has received gratitude from families who have contacted her for advocating the bylaw. Simultaneously, she has also received malicious letters.
“I simply receive those delightful messages,” she chuckled. “Therefore, there’s that element. I follow the Christian faith, so there are numerous individuals who have claimed that I am not a true Christian and destined for damnation. Primarily, it is those who assert that I am bound for hell and similar sentiments.”
However, has Stover herself utilized the bylaw that she wrote?
“If I’m by the seaside, I’m without a top. So I have made the most of it,” she expressed.