Asheville allowing 2nd annual topless rally

ASHEVILLE, N.C. (AP) – An Alabama man is organizing a topless rally in Asheville later this month after obtaining city permits.

The Citizen-Times of Asheville reports that Jeff Johnson of Huntsville, Ala., paid a $325 fee this week for a special events permit and temporary street closure permit.

He is organizing a Go Topless rally Aug. 26. His group believes laws and social stigmas against women going topless in public are unfair. North Carolina law allows it.

Opponents include former city councilman Carl Mumpower. He calls the rally a public sexual performance that degrades women. Opponents are sponsoring a contest for photos that capture the most degrading acts, hoping that will inhibit participants.

It is the second such rally. Last summer’s Go Topless rally attracted about 2,000 people, mostly spectators.

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