Mumbai, India, wants to ban mannequins from wearing underwear, saying it may encourage sexual crimes
An Indian man passes a window displaying mannequins in underwear (screen shot)
Original title: India's Mumbai wants to ban mannequins from wearing underwear or encouraging sex crimes
International online feature: According to the Australian news network reported on May 30, India's commercial capital Mumbai (Mumbai) city hall plans to ban the appearance of mannequins wearing underwear in shops or markets, saying they may encourage sex crimes, which has been criticized by many.
At a time when India is struggling to curb crimes against women, Mumbai City Hall member RituTawade has proposed a ban on mannequins in underwear. "I think underwear models, especially bikini models, have an impact on female crime in India, because the display can affect the mentality of men," Tawad said.
Mannequins wearing sports underwear or bikinis can be seen on the streets and in shopping malls in Mumbai. The proposed ban has been criticised by commentators and women's rights groups. Women's rights campaigner Sharada Saez dismissed the proposal, saying: "It's pure nonsense. Underwear mannequins are ubiquitous in many countries. Crime comes from the brain, not from the outside."
Tawad's proposal also drew fire and mockery on Twitter, with PritishNandy, a former journalist and politician, writing: "I have never been aroused by underwear models, perhaps our Mumbai City Hall members will be?"
India's Firstpost newspaper also wrote: "Apart from a few sexual perverts, such as those who can't stand the advances of plastic dolls in lacy outfits and jump on women, normal Indian men don't get turned on just by looking at underwear models."
India's parliament has passed laws imposing heavy penalties on sex offenders who target women following protests in China over the December 2012 gang rape in New Delhi's Black bus. (Willow)