PinkCop asks for a legal review: row over a Zurich SVP lawmaker's remarks about the city police

What is going on After unrest near Hardplatz in Zurich on the night of 11 October, SVP cantonal MP Christoph Marty criticised the city police on Facebook. According to gay.ch (22 October 2026), he said among other things that the force employs many women and linked that, in a derogatory way, to gay men. His conclusion was that few men remain who can act forcefully, and that this is why no rioters were arrested.

What PinkCop is asking for PinkCop, the independent nationwide association of gay, bisexual, trans and intersex police officers, calls the remarks unacceptable. It asks the management committee of the Zurich cantonal parliament for a legal review. Discrimination is not a legitimate opinion, it says, and competence and professionalism have nothing to do with gender or sexual orientation.

Reactions The SVP parliamentary group distanced itself from Marty at the next council session. The leadership of the city police under Commander Beat Oppliger demanded an apology, which Marty refused according to gay.ch. Security director Karin Rykart (Greens) said arrests were not realistic given the violence, and thanked the SVP group for distancing itself.

What it means for the community The case shows how debates about police operations can quickly slide into statements about gender and sexual orientation. If you experience discrimination yourself, advice and reporting points are available through Pink Cross and local community services. This piece summarises gay.ch's reporting; the primary sources are Marty's Facebook post and PinkCop's Instagram statement.

Last checked: 23 October 2026