Bare-Breasted Marchers Rally in Support of Times Square's Topless Tip-Seekers

Bare-chested women and men took to the streets of midtown Manhattan Sunday to express their opposition to critics who complain about the presence of topless tip-seekers in Times Square.

Appearing topless is legal in New York, but Mayor Bill de Blasio and others argue that the body-painted women who pose for photos with tourists for cash are a nuisance.

De Blasio has gone as far as to suggest that the city tear up a pedestrian plaza at the "Crossroads of the World" where the women — and several costumed cartoon characters — mingle with the masses. Gov. Andrew Cuomo said he fears the presence of half-naked women harkens to the "bad, old Times Square" of yesteryear.

The parade is among dozens of events happening worldwide for GoTopless Day, which some say began in 2007 in Nevada.

In New York, GoTopless spokeswoman Rachel Jessee said the goal is to achieve gender equality when it comes to baring one's chest. 

Copyright AP - Associated Press
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