Transgender Taken Into Custody in Women's Bathroom After Bad Prediction: 'I Know That You Won't Arrest Me'
Marcy Rheintgen was confident that challenging one of Florida’s laws would carry no repercussions.
That assumption proved to be incorrect.
Describing Florida as a “home away from home,” Rheintgen expressed deep concern over a 2023 state law that restricts bathroom access in certain government buildings, including the Capitol, to individuals based on their sex assigned at birth.
The 20-year-old transgender man from Illinois was arrested on March 19 after entering the women’s restroom in the Florida Capitol, an act he had announced ahead of time to Florida lawmakers.
In an effort to make his intentions unmistakable, Rheintgen not only informed officials of his plans through letters but also provided them with a photo of himself.
“I know that you know in your heart that this law is wrong and unjust,” he wrote, as quoted by the Miami Herald.
“I know that you know in your heart that transgender people are human too, and you can’t arrest us away.”
“I know that you know that I have dignity,” he added. “That’s why I know that you won’t arrest me.”
Despite that belief, law enforcement did detain him.
Two officers awaited Rheintgen outside the restroom and initially offered to collaborate with him. Still, he insisted on proceeding with his plan to use the facility.
Officers had considered issuing a notice for him to appear in court, which would have spared him an arrest. However, according to the arrest affidavit, Rheintgen did not qualify for that option.
He later described his demeanor during the encounter as “sassy” and suggested he might repeat the protest.
It’s a man in a woman’s restroom.
— Allen Priest (@AlPriest420) April 2, 2025
He now faces a second-degree misdemeanor trespassing charge, which carries a potential sentence of up to 60 days in jail.
Rheintgen spent a full day behind bars.
He received the publicity desired.
— Carol Swain Enterprises, LLC (@carolmswain) April 2, 2025
“Marcy Rheintgen, 20, a resident of Illinois, was taken into custody by Capital police and charged with trespassing after she tried to use a women’s restroom at the State Capitol building. Hoping to use the act as a symbolic protest, the…
Reflecting on the incident, he admitted to regretting the experience and maintained that he hadn’t expected to be arrested.
He also mentioned that upcoming court proceedings have complicated his travel to Florida.