WATERLOO, Ont. — A rally and march organized by three sisters who were stopped by a police officer for biking topless a week ago is planned for today in Waterloo, Ont.
The sisters say they're hoping their "Bare With Us" rally at Waterloo Town Square will educate people — and police — about women's right to be topless if they so choose.
Juno-nominated musician Alysha Brilla says she and her sisters were not wearing shirts while cycling in Kitchener, Ont., on July 24 when a male officer drove up beside them and told them to cover up because it is the law.
Brilla says told the officer he was wrong, adding that when she started filming the interaction on her cellphone, the officer said he had only wanted to check if the women had proper bells and lights on their bicycles.
Ontario women have had the right to go topless in public since 1996.
A post on Facebook says people of all genders are invited to attend — revealing as much or as little of their torso as they feel comfortable with — to support the right of women right to be topless in public.
"This event is a celebration of all body shapes and types. Individuals who are not supportive of all bare-chested folk will be asked to leave," the posting says.
A similar incident in June garnered headlines after eight-year-old Marlee McLean was told by city staff in Guelph, Ont., to cover up while she was in a wading pool wearing only a swim bottom.
