MANAMA: Indecent behavior by youths is taking the fun out of Bahrain’s only public beach where families and visitors swim and enjoy their weekend.
This gathering of youths has earned the ire of a lawmaker who called upon women to swim only when the beach is empty and wearing decent outfits.
Independent MP Jassim Al-Saidi said some youngsters disturb families, especially young women, by flirting with them or preventing them from enjoying swimming.
“Many social and religious violations are taking place at Al-Jazair beach in Zallaq that should be tackled by community police,” said the lawmaker.
The beach is outside the capital city and is the favorite venue for families to cool off during the holidays. Other beaches are private, taken away by reclamation or not suitable for swimming.
The lawmaker warned of the effect of lack of supervision on those youths on spreading vices, such as consumption of alcohol and drugs, in the kingdom.
“Youths have the right to enjoy their time but without intruding on the privacy of families, especially if they start flirting with girls or passing rude comments on passers-by,” said Al-Saidi.
The MP said he made the call after receiving several complaints from citizens about disturbances from “irresponsible” youngsters.
“Families are complaining in-creasingly about the youths who are becoming a threat, especially when they start their illegal practices late at night,” said Al-Saidi.
He further called upon girls and women to enjoy their summer holiday by choosing the right time to go to the beach, such as early morning, and to wear proper outfits. “The community police should keep a watch and prevent any intrusions by the youths,” Al-Saidi said.
Last year, the lawmaker was instrumental in calling off a women’s international beach volleyball tournament that was to be held on the island. He opposed women athletes wearing revealing outfits.
