The Swiss City of Bern has issued an apology after a trans-identified male was detained and removed by police from a women’s bathing area at the Marzilibad swimming complex, with officials later confirming he met access requirements for the facility.
City authorities said, “In retrospect, the decision proved to be wrong,” acknowledging the intervention following the incident on Sunday at the popular open-air site. They added that “All persons who identify as female and live as such are granted access to the voluntary nude area ‘Paradiesli'," reports swissinfo.
The apology came after the biological male was taken into custody during a police operation triggered by complaints from some bathers in the women’s section. The dispute began after private security was called to the area before police were requested to intervene.
According to police accounts, staff asked the male to leave after concerns were raised by visitors. Officers said the individual refused to comply and that several people present obstructed the intervention, while the person involved resisted arrest. Police also said an unidentified individual assaulted a policewoman during the operation, causing minor injuries.
The trans-identified male's supporters disputed the handling of the incident. In a statement, they said, “The police operation was disproportionate." They further alleged that six officers used force to restrain him and that he was later taken to hospital, where injuries were documented, including “several large bruises." They also criticized how three male officers had entered the women-only area, and that female officers were only called later.
Following his release from police custody after roughly two hours, a solidarity gathering formed in central Bern before developing into a march through the city. Police said the demonstration remained peaceful and no property damage occurred.
The cantonal police have opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest and the wider incident at the swimming facility. City officials said internal guidance exists to help staff manage access rules in gender-segregated areas, and that communication of those rules will be improved going forward.
City authorities said, “In retrospect, the decision proved to be wrong,” acknowledging the intervention following the incident on Sunday at the popular open-air site. They added that “All persons who identify as female and live as such are granted access to the voluntary nude area ‘Paradiesli'," reports swissinfo.
The apology came after the biological male was taken into custody during a police operation triggered by complaints from some bathers in the women’s section. The dispute began after private security was called to the area before police were requested to intervene.
According to police accounts, staff asked the male to leave after concerns were raised by visitors. Officers said the individual refused to comply and that several people present obstructed the intervention, while the person involved resisted arrest. Police also said an unidentified individual assaulted a policewoman during the operation, causing minor injuries.
The trans-identified male's supporters disputed the handling of the incident. In a statement, they said, “The police operation was disproportionate." They further alleged that six officers used force to restrain him and that he was later taken to hospital, where injuries were documented, including “several large bruises." They also criticized how three male officers had entered the women-only area, and that female officers were only called later.
Following his release from police custody after roughly two hours, a solidarity gathering formed in central Bern before developing into a march through the city. Police said the demonstration remained peaceful and no property damage occurred.
The cantonal police have opened an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the arrest and the wider incident at the swimming facility. City officials said internal guidance exists to help staff manage access rules in gender-segregated areas, and that communication of those rules will be improved going forward.
