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Bern Apologises After Police Remove Trans Person From Women-Only Nude Bathing Area

Cantonal police have opened an investigation into the detention, which could lead to clearer rules for gendered facilities and fresh staff training.

Overview

  • Supporters say a transgender person was confronted by other bathers and then removed by private security and six police officers from the women-only 'Paradiesli' at the Marzili lido, with the person detained for roughly two hours on Sunday.
  • The City of Bern apologised for the intervention, said the removal was a mistake and confirmed that under current practice access should be decided by a person’s officially registered sex when there is doubt.
  • Police describe the detainee as refusing requests to leave and say bystanders obstructed officers, adding that one officer sustained minor injuries during the operation.
  • Witnesses and supporters allege officers used disproportionate force, say the person was later treated in hospital for bruising, and have called on authorities for accountability and better staff procedures.
  • The incident came during Pride month and is being examined against Switzerland’s 2022 law on legal gender change by self-declaration, raising questions about how municipalities apply rules for gender-segregated spaces.