1. United States
2. Pa.
3. Letter

The arrest of Marcy Rheintgen for using a restroom aligned with her gender identity is a clear violation of her basic human rights. Transgender individuals have been utilizing public facilities matching their gender for generations without incident. This discriminatory action by Capitol Police serves no purpose other than to humiliate and intimidate Rheintgen and the broader transgender community. It reflects a disturbing wave of policies aimed at eroding the dignity and forcing trans people out of public spaces. Rheintgen's protest was an act of defiance against unjust laws that deny her very existence, including the new Florida law specifically targeting trans people from using bathrooms matching their identity. While civil disobedience carries risks, arresting and potentially imprisoning her for up to 11 months is a gross overreaction that will only further marginalize an already vulnerable population. I urge you to intervene, dismiss the charges, and protect the rights of all Floridians to access public accommodations safely and free from discrimination based on gender identity.