A Swiss city has apologized to a transgender woman after six police officers removed her from a female-only nudist bathing area at a public pool. The incident occurred Sunday afternoon at the Marzili swimming pool in Bern, according to Swiss newspaper 20 Minutes.
The woman was reportedly "tackled to the ground," handcuffed, and taken to a police station for questioning before being released. Swiss LGBTQ+ organizations, including Transgender Network Switzerland (TGNS) and the Lesbian Organisation of Switzerland and Pride Cross, condemned the incident, calling it "shameful" and occurring during Pride month. They have called for enhanced training for pool staff and police to prevent similar occurrences.
According to reports, several female swimmers complained to staff about the woman's presence in the women-only nudist area. Staff repeatedly asked her to leave, which she did not. Police stated that when officers arrived, some individuals supported the transgender woman and intervened in her removal, resulting in an officer sustaining an injury.
A relative of the woman at the scene described the police attitude as "intimidating" and reported that the woman suffered "several significant bruises." The city of Bern acknowledged an error in the removal, stating that escalating tensions led to the detainment. The city also affirmed that the transgender woman had the right to be in the naturist area and that, in cases of doubt, officially registered sex should be the determining factor.