Women in Berlin, Germany, can now swim topless at public swimming pools under regulations that apply equally to men and women.
The policy change followed a discrimination complaint from a woman who was told to leave an indoor swimming pool in December 2022 after refusing to cover her chest.
She argued that forcing women to cover their breasts while permitting men to swim shirtless amounted to unequal treatment based on gender.
Following the complaint, Berlin’s public swimming pool operator confirmed that dress code requirements must be enforced equally for all swimmers, regardless of gender.
Under the rules, everyone must cover their genital area, but women are no longer required to wear tops that cover their breasts.
The regulations apply to both indoor and outdoor public swimming pools throughout Berlin.
Supporters view the policy as a step toward gender equality, while others believe public swimming facilities should maintain more traditional dress standards.
