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Transgender Woman Arrested in Florida Capitol for Bathroom Law Protest

Marcy Rheintgen's arrest highlights the enforcement of Florida's 2023 law restricting restroom use and raises concerns about its impact on transgender rights.

The Florida Capitol in Tallahassee. A trans woman was arrested last week for using the women’s bathroom in the Capitol. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/TNS)
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Overview

  • Marcy Rheintgen, a 20-year-old transgender woman, was arrested on March 19, 2025, for using a women’s restroom in the Florida Capitol to protest a 2023 law restricting restroom use by sex assigned at birth.
  • Rheintgen had informed lawmakers of her planned protest in advance, sending letters and a photo of herself for identification.
  • Capitol police initially told Rheintgen she would receive a notice to appear in court but ultimately arrested her, citing non-compliance with criteria for such a notice.
  • Rheintgen was charged with second-degree misdemeanor trespassing, which carries a potential penalty of up to 60 days in jail, and was released after 24 hours.
  • Advocacy groups condemned the arrest, describing it as part of broader efforts to intimidate transgender individuals and restrict their public participation.