diff --git a/src/d_netcmd.c b/src/d_netcmd.c
index f3aa3d8a..81fd0da9 100644
--- a/src/d_netcmd.c
+++ b/src/d_netcmd.c
@@ -2269,7 +2269,7 @@ static void Command_Pause(void)
 
 	if (cv_pause.value || server || (IsPlayerAdmin(consoleplayer)))
 	{
-		if (modeattacking || !(gamestate == GS_LEVEL || gamestate == GS_INTERMISSION || gamestate == GS_VOTING))
+		if (!paused && (modeattacking || !(gamestate == GS_LEVEL || gamestate == GS_INTERMISSION || gamestate == GS_VOTING || gamestate == GS_WAITINGPLAYERS)))
 		{
 			CONS_Printf(M_GetText("You can't pause here.\n"));
 			return;