The State government allows women to go topless in Berlin swimming pools
Women in the German capital no longer have to cover their torsos when swimming in public pools, following a discrimination complaint.
The complaint, which was made back in 2023, demanded women receive the same rights as men when it comes to going topless in Berlin’s public swimming pools.
The complainant, who wishes to stay anonymous, turned to the senate’s ombudsperson’s office for equal treatment to bring the issue to light.
The complainant’s determination and the involvement of the ombudsperson led the Berliner Baederbetriebe to revise its rules regarding swimming attire.
Doris Liebscher, the head of the ombudsperson’s office happily welcomed the decision of the Baederbetriebe, according to Sky News.
“It establishes equal rights for all Berliners, whether male, female or non-binary, and because it also creates legal certainty for the staff,” she said.
Before the regulation change, women in Berlin’s public swimming pools were asked to cover themselves or vacate the area.
In some cases, the women who refused to cover up were given a permanent ban from the establishment.
“Now it is important that the regulation is applied consistently and that no more expulsions or house bans are issued,” Ms Liebscher concluded.
The policy was officially implemented as of March 2023 and is still in place today.
