Vienna woman sues city over alleged discriminatory toilet fees

A 27-year-old woman, Melanie Gradik, has filed a legal complaint against the city of Vienna, alleging that the municipality’s public toilet fee structure is discriminatory. The dispute arose when Gradik noted that while a male companion could use a urinal for free, she was required to pay a 50-cent fee to use a toilet cubicle.

Gradik argues that the arrangement violates anti-discrimination rules because men have a free option that is generally unavailable to women. She stated, “I want everyone to be able to use the bathroom on an equal footing. Either we all pay 50 cents or no one pays 50 cents.”

The Vienna municipality maintains that the 50-cent charge is not gender-based but applies to anyone using cubicles at 29 high-traffic locations. City spokeswoman Sandra Holzinger explained that the fees fund attendants responsible for supervision, organization, and cleanliness. The city further noted that urinals are provided at these sites to prevent public urination, but the fee specifically covers the use of enclosed cubicles.