Gender Bias on Pärnu Beach Must End, Says Justice Chancellor
Pärnu's long-established 'Ladies Beach,' a nude bathing zone where for decades men have been prohibited, goes against the principles of gender equality and freedom of movement, Chancellor of Justice Indrek Teder has said.
According to Teder, the signs that separate the sand strip from the rest of the public beach have no legal basis and therefore, by law, cannot ban the opposite sex from entering. He said that the law stipulates that everyone has the right to move freely on the shore of a public body of water, wrote Postimees.
Nude zones on beaches, however, can be established so long as they are clearly marked as such, allowing people to consider the specific characteristics of the area and make an informed choice, Teder said.
As men do not currently have a private sunbathing area on Pärnu Beach, the local government should consider establishing one to ensure the equal treatment of genders, said Teder.
Ingrid Teesalu
