Viggo Hansen, a member of the Left Party, submitted the proposal to the Soermland County Council in central Sweden earlier this week.

In Sweden, where daycare centres encourage little boys to "be a sweetie and take a seatie", the issue is not being taken lightly.

In an interview with a local television channel, Hansen pointed out that according to some experts sitting down to urinate is not only more hygienic but also reduces the risk of prostate trouble.

His proposal also claims that relieving oneself while seated "contributes to a better and longer sex life."

Critics suggest it may be difficult to enforce the rule, which the council has one year to study before reaching a decision, according to the head of the Left Party group, Maud Ekman.