Maryland Woman Advocating Right to Go 'Bare-Chested' In Public
BALTIMORE (WJZ)-- A Maryland woman is advocating for the right to go topless in public and it's raising some questions about the legality of the practice in the state.
"The difficulty here is that indecent exposure is a common law crime, which means there is no book you can open that says these are the elements of indecent exposure," said legal expert Adam Ruther.
That's the problem according to activist Chelsea Covington, who goes around "bare-chested," as she puts it, working to promote equality for women including to the right to go topless at public like places like the beach.
RELATED: Md. Attorney General Asked For Opinion On Legality Of Topless Women In Public
Her claim: if guys can do it without anyone batting an eye, why can't women?
In a statement to WJZ she says, "I am not telling women to go bare-chested, I am asserting that women should have the freedom to choose, just as men do."
For an official stance, she went to the Worchester State's Attorney Beau Oglesby, who then decided to take up the chain to the Maryland Attorney General's Office who will issue their opinion on the case.
"The opinion that they'll issue will be substantial guidance to the state's attorney office in making a decision as to whether this particular conduct is illegal or not."
So called topless laws are in effect across the nation. Some laws clearer than others, like Maryland, however, just because a state allows it doesn't' mean individual cities will.
New York City, South Miami Beach, and neighboring D.C. say it's okay, but states like Utah, Indiana, Tennessee call it straight up illegal.
Some tell WJZ they are torn on the issue, saying "it would be tough for parents to their kids."
The attorney general's opinion is not a court ruling it's just well-researched advice.
It could be months before that advice is handed down.
Covington says in the years she's been doing she has not been arrested or touched inappropriately
Follow @CBSBaltimore on Twitter and like WJZ-TV | CBS Baltimore on Facebook