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French towns fine shirtless men €150, feminists cite gender gap.

6/18/2026

39 5 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Mayors of Deauville, Narbonne and La Grande-Motte imposed fines of up to €150 on men who walk shirtless in town areas.
Mayor Bertrand Malquier said the rule is common sense for hygiene and to stop exhibitionism.
Restaurant owner Anthony Hill reported that the ban improves customer comfort on terraces.
Feminist groups criticize the policy because women can be fined up to €15,000 for toplessness, creating a gender penalty gap.

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Story summary

Mayors of Deauville, Narbonne and La Grande-Motte imposed fines of up to €150 on men who walk shirtless in town areas.
Mayor Bertrand Malquier said the rule is common sense for hygiene and to stop exhibitionism.
Restaurant owner Anthony Hill reported that the ban improves customer comfort on terraces.
Feminist groups criticize the policy because women can be fined up to €15,000 for toplessness, creating a gender penalty gap.