Nantucket topless beach proposal now in the hands of AG Healey

7th generation Nantucketer Dorothy Stover catches up with ABC6 after an emotional victory as Topless Beach proposal passes at annual town meeting on Nantucket

May 16, 2022 7:16 pm

Alexa Serowik,

NANTUCKET, Mass. (WLNE) — The Gender Equality on Beaches bylaw amendment passed with a vote of 327-242 last week at the annual town meeting on Nantucket.

The measure would allow for women to go topless on Nantucket beaches.

Seventh generation resident Dorothy Stover hopes this proposal on Nantucket could alter the law statewide, which is now in the hands of Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey.

Currently, the law is that only men can go topless on Nantucket’s beaches and topless women can face a fine of up to $300 and up to three years in prison.

Stover said she did not campaign ahead of the meeting and “sat in prayer with the issue for a while” not sure of the outcome or perception on the Island.

Now, Stover says she can’t believe the outpouring of both support and opposition she has received not only on the Island but also across social media.

Stover, a sex education and relationship coach sees topless rights an issue of gender equality and ultimately wants to give people the option of going topless at the beach if they desire.

“Being topless is not being nude,” Stover said at the meeting. Furthermore, she said securing the freedom for both genders helps normalize bodies of all shapes and sizes.

ABC6 spoke with other locals including mother and grandmother, Eliane Pietsch who was “shocked” by this possibility and believes there should be more regulation before this drastic change across the island and worries about this exposure amongst children and teens on the island.