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Toilet fees in Vienna: women disadvantaged, equality demanded!
In Vienna, a dispute broke out over toilet fees, which sparked an equality debate about discrimination against women in public toilets.
Toilet fees in Vienna: women disadvantaged, equality demanded!
Things are boiling in Vienna: the dispute over the use of public toilets has sparked a heated discussion about equality. Currently, women have to pay a hefty 50 cents to use toilet cubicles at 28 different locations, while men are offered free urinals. This inequality has brought the Ombudsman to the scene, which classifies this as clear discrimination. “It is a serious violation of equal treatment,” explains public advocate Gaby Schwarz on the occasion of the current debate. In her statement, she criticized the city's justification that the toilet cubicles required more cleaning effort. In her opinion, equal access to the toilet should be a given.
The issue was started by a complaint from Leopoldstadt. The Ombudsman's investigation found that women were disadvantaged by the fee policy. According to Gaby Schwarz, this inequality is not only unfair, but also excludes women without cash from accessing a basic need. Magistrate Department 48, which is defending itself against the allegations, is responsible for implementing the fees. She argues that increased cleaning effort and the need for custodial staff justify the fee.
A question of planning
That's enough for many, like architect and gender researcher Sabina Riss, who emphasizes that women often travel with small children or older people and are therefore dependent on cabins. She criticizes current urban planning and demands that knowledge about the different use of public toilets by women should be incorporated into future measures. “Not only equality of access but also the actual use of the facilities is ignored here,” says Riss.
In Vienna, as in many other cities, the discussion about the equipment of public toilets is becoming increasingly critical. The issue is particularly relevant in view of the need to ensure non-discriminatory access to sanitary facilities for all people, regardless of gender or gender identity. According to the Network for Trans* and Intersex Rights, there is also a debate about gender-equitable sanitary rooms in Germany. Many people avoid using public toilets, which can lead to health problems. This requires a rethinking process both in the planning and in the social acceptance of unisex toilets.
A foray into the future
The idea of unisex toilets could offer a solution. Such toilets, which are accessible to all genders, could not only reduce discrimination, but also make the use of the facilities more efficient in many cases. They could also accommodate fathers with children or people with special needs. There are already some positive examples in Germany, for example in public facilities or transport, where unisex toilets are already a reality.
The need to create gender-neutral alternatives is also supported by tax regulations and applicable equal treatment laws. In order to remedy the current grievances and optimize access to public toilets, the Ombudsman demands that these facilities should be accessible to everyone free of charge and without discrimination.
It remains to be seen how the City of Vienna will respond to these demands, but it is clear that there is a need for action on the issue of equality around toilet use. The Vienna state parliament will soon address this issue, and many are hoping for a positive turn in this important debate.
Swissinfo provides information about the situation…
Transinterqueer addresses the issue of non-discriminatory use of toilets…