College Student Arrested for Using Women’s Restroom in Florida Capitol
Tallahassee, FL — Marcy Rheintgen, a 20-year-old transgender college student, was arrested and jailed in the men’s section of a detention facility after using the women’s restroom at the Florida State Capitol—a direct violation of a 2023 state law banning trans people from government building bathrooms that align with their gender identity. . Source : USA TODAY LATEST NEWS
Defiant Act of Civil Disobedience
Rheintgen, wearing a white frilly dress and pink bow, entered the women’s restroom on March 19 despite officers warning her not to. Within moments, police detained her, confiscated her rosary, and charged her with trespassing. She spent the night in a men’s jail and faces up to 60 days in prison if convicted. source: World Info Organization
Premeditated Protest Against Anti-Trans Law
A week before her arrest, Rheintgen mailed 160 letters to Florida lawmakers, detailing her plan to break the law in protest. “I know I’ll probably be arrested,” she wrote. “But I believe this law is wrong.” She included a photo so officials would recognize her, acknowledging the risk of assault in a men’s prison but stating, “It’s a risk I’m willing to take.”
“Treated Like a Criminal for Using the Wrong Bathroom”
Rheintgen, a devout Catholic and political centrist, said she was terrified during the arrest. “They treated me like I murdered someone,” she told Erin in the Morning. “I just wanted to show how absurd this law is.” A Tampa Bay Times reporter witnessed the incident, corroborating her account. . Source : USA TODAY LATEST NEWS
Florida’s Escalating Anti-Trans Legislation
Advocates say bathroom bans are part of a broader GOP effort to exclude trans people from public life. Jon Harris Maurer of Equality Florida called the law “antidemocratic,” arguing it prevents trans citizens from participating in government. Rheintgen’s arrest mirrors historical discrimination against trans women of color arrested for “walking while trans.”
A Lost “Home Away From Home”
Rheintgen, who once dreamed of moving to Florida, now fears the state is unsafe for her. “I just want people to see how crazy it is to jail someone for using a bathroom,” she said. Her case highlights the growing criminalization of trans existence in America—and the courage of those fighting back.
Next Steps: Rheintgen awaits trial as advocates rally against Florida’s anti-trans laws. “Pray for me,” she signed off in her letters. Now, many are. . Source : USA TODAY LATEST NEWS
