American Expatriate Costa Rica

Court rules restaurants should allow men to use changing tables

The constitutional court ruled in favor of a father who sued McDonald’s for barring him from using a changing table that was available only at the women’s bathroom in one of its restaurants.

The administration of the restaurant told the father he should be supervised by a female employee while changing his baby at the women’s bathroom.

The court stated such a restriction breaches the right to non-discrimination and gender equality.

According to Luis Salas, magistrate of the court, the ruling is important to erradicate discrimination and advance towards equality for women and men.

During the appeal proceedings, McDonald’s installed a changing table in the restaurant involved, located in San José.

Subsequently, McDonald’s  spokeswoman said they are developing a plan to install changing tables in all their restaurants in Costa Rica.

Arcelio Hernandez, from the movement for equal rights for men, said there’s still the prejudice that only women must change diapers, but he added both parents should have the same rights and obligations.

Source: La Nación.