As a result of a discrimination complaint filed by a woman who was refused permission to swim topless in a public pool in the city, the state government of Berlin has declared that women will be allowed to swim topless in public swimming pools.
Following the complaint to the Senate’s ombudsperson’s office for equal treatment, the Berlin senate for justice, diversity, and anti-discrimination confirmed that the woman sought the same right as men to swim topless.
Responding to the complaint and the involvement of the ombudsman, the city’s public pool operator, Berliner Baederbetriebe, decided to amend its dress code, as announced by the Senate.
Chief Ombudsman Doris Liebscher expressed satisfaction with the decision, stating, “The ombudsperson’s office welcomes the Baederbetriebe’s decision because it ensures equal rights for all Berliners, regardless of gender, and provides legal certainty for the staff.”
She also emphasized the importance of consistent enforcement of the new regulation to prevent further expulsions or bans.
Previously, women who exposed their breasts in Berlin pools were either asked to cover up, ejected from the pool, or occasionally banned from returning.
