historybuff said:
Um, because the reason men would want women topless in public is because they like to oggle the female body. They don't actually give a shit about being "equal". It's about them getting a free show. Duh.
Also, I have no desire to see another woman's breasts.
True in a lot of cases, I have no doubt. But I don't think you can say ALL men who agree with such a law do so purely for base reasons.
My opinion: Breasts etc are only sexual because we are used to thinking them as such, which is why they are covered up. If they weren't they would simply become another feature, like the nose or legs (both of which can be equally attractive). A feature unique to women, true, but I've never seen a guy with legs like a woman either.
So, yeah. Double standard that women should HAVE to cover up, whereas men have the choice.
See? Nothing base there at all. Purely logical and reasonable. Please don't respond with "Oh, that isn't your real reason", stuff like that irritates the living monkey out of me.
Edit: I have not ignored the "comfort" element for women. Obviously a lot of women would be physically uncomfortable if they were topless (and braless). I'm just talking about legal rights here.