Vienna woman sues city over pay-per-use public toilet fees
A 27-year-old woman has sued the City of Vienna after she was charged €0.50 (RM2.35) to use a public toilet while her male companion entered the same facility free of charge.
Source: Utusan Malaysia · August 17, 2026 at 10:01 PM · AI-assisted report
Single-sourceKUALA LUMPUR, 18 AUGUST 2026 —
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A 27-year-old woman has sued the City of Vienna after she was charged €0.50 (RM2.35) to use a public toilet while her male companion entered the same facility free of charge.
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Melanie Gradik told local media she visited a public park with a male friend and both required restroom access. “He could use it for free, but I had to pay €0.50,” she said. “I asked myself how this could happen.”
Her lawyer, Petra Laback, argued in court that charging only women violates Vienna’s anti-discrimination laws. “If we win, it could set a precedent for other municipalities and become a reference case across Austria,” Laback said.
Gradik’s suit demands either universal free access or a uniform €0.50 fee for all users. The case centres on gender parity in public services.