Speaker Mike Johnson indicated his support for restricting “single-sex facilities” in the Capitol, including restrooms, to individuals of their biological sex. This move would effectively prevent the first transgender congresswoman, Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, from using women’s bathrooms in the next Congress. Rep. Nancy Mace introduced a resolution that would ban transgender women from using female bathrooms and other facilities, specifically targeting McBride. Johnson emphasized that all single-sex facilities are reserved for individuals of their biological sex, arguing that women deserve women’s only spaces. He stated that while he believes a man cannot become a woman, he also believes in treating everyone with dignity.
The speaker’s statement does not formally restrict transgender people from using restrooms aligned with their gender, but it signals potential rules that could be included in the upcoming Congress’ rules package. Democrats have heavily criticized Mace’s resolution, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries condemning it as bullying. Other Democratic lawmakers, including Rep. Jamie Raskin and Pramila Jayapal, have expressed opposition to the proposal, calling it discriminatory and unnecessary. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also denounced the resolution as “mean and cruel.”
McBride responded to Mace’s resolution by emphasizing the importance of respect and kindness towards individuals with different life journeys. She criticized the distraction from real issues facing Americans, such as affordable housing and healthcare, caused by manufacturing culture wars. Overall, the debate highlights the ongoing struggle for transgender rights and equality in the political sphere.
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