A woman in Vienna has filed a lawsuit against the city, challenging the practice of charging women for the use of public toilets while men’s urinals remain free. Melanie Gradik, 27, brought the complaint after experiencing what she called unequal treatment during a visit to a city park.

Gradik said she and a male friend both needed to use the restroom, but while her friend accessed a urinal without charge, she was required to pay 50 cents to use the women’s facilities. “I want everyone to be able to use the bathroom on an equal footing,” she said, arguing that either all users should pay the fee or no one should. She views the charge as a form of everyday gender discrimination.

The legal complaint contends that Vienna’s policy violates the city’s anti-discrimination laws. Gradik’s lawyer, Petra Laback, stated that the existence of free urinals for men creates inequality since women have no comparable option. Laback also noted that if the case is successful, it could influence other local governments and potentially set a nationwide precedent in Austria.

Vienna officials responded by noting that while most public toilets in the city are free, 29 out of 168 facilities charge a fee of 50 cents for use by both men and women. The fees apply only where toilet attendants are employed. The city also emphasized that urinals are provided at no cost to male users specifically to discourage public urination, which can cause sanitation and maintenance issues.

The dispute raises broader questions about gender equity in public services and the rationale behind fees for public conveniences. The case is expected to attract considerable attention as it proceeds through the legal system.