Trans woman removed from Marzilibad — City of Bern apologises after police intervention
On Sunday 28 June 2026, a trans woman was removed by Bern cantonal police from the 'Paradiesli' — the women's FKK area of Marzilibad in Bern. The incident was triggered by a report from pool staff: guests had complained about her presence, and she refused to leave. Shortly before 5:30 pm, six officers arrived. The woman was brought to the ground and led away in handcuffs. After two hours at a police station she spent the night in hospital, where injuries from the intervention were documented, including several large bruises. A police officer was also physically assaulted by an unidentified person and sustained minor injuries.
That same evening, a spontaneous solidarity rally formed on a central square in the city; demonstrators then marched through Bern's city centre.
On Monday 29 June 2026, the City of Bern issued a public apology to the woman concerned. The city stated that the police intervention had been a mistake. Under Marzilibad's house rules, 'all persons who identify as women and live as such' are welcome in the voluntary FKK area 'Paradiesli'. The trans woman had met this condition — and should have been allowed to stay.
The incident sparked a broad public debate in Switzerland: about police treatment of trans people, about the discretion given to pool staff when responding to guest complaints, and about who, in practice, decides who has access to women's areas. LGBTIQ+ organisations called for clear guidelines and consistent training for police and bathing facility staff on interacting with trans people.
Marzilibad is one of Switzerland's most beloved outdoor pools and historically a queer meeting place in Bern. The incident throws light on the tension between formal house rules and their application in everyday practice — and on the vulnerability that trans people can face even in spaces that formally protect them.
