Miscellaneous Suspicion of discrimination against women when using toilets in Vienna
While urinals in public toilet facilities in Vienna are accessible free of charge, the use of cubicles at certain times of the day costs 50 cents. The Austrian Ombudsman Board sees this as a particular case of gender inequality.
22.08.2025, 13:46
SDA
"This case of discrimination really stinks to high heaven", said Ombudswoman Gabriela Schwarz on Friday. It is unfair that men can use urinals in the Austrian capital free of charge, while women are asked to pay every time they use a toilet cubicle in the 28 public toilet facilities.
"Equal rights look different. I don't accept the argument that toilet cubicles require more cleaning. Because let's be honest: men don't always hit the mark with a urinal either," the Ombudswoman told the APA news agency.
She therefore expects the City of Vienna to rectify this unequal treatment "immediately". "Equal treatment when using the toilet is not a luxury, but a duty", said Schwarz. Apart from discrimination, the City of Vienna denies women who do not carry cash "the human need and right to relief through a public toilet", the Ombudswoman criticized.
The Austrian Ombudsman Board is a federal body based in Vienna. Citizens who are affected by possible maladministration can complain to the Ombudsman Board. The Ombudsmen are bound to secrecy, are independent and cannot be dismissed.
