House Speaker Mike Johnson announced a ban on transgender individuals using bathrooms not matching their “biological sex” in the Capitol and House Office Buildings. This move, unveiled Wednesday, follows Republican Rep. Nancy Mace’s proposal to restrict bathroom access for transgender women in Congressional facilities.
Johnson defended the decision, stating, “Women deserve women-only spaces.” He emphasized that Capitol facilities include private and unisex restrooms, suggesting alternative accommodations are available.
Mace Pushes for Bathroom Restrictions in House Rules
Mace’s legislation seeks to formalize bathroom restrictions for House members, officers, and employees. The South Carolina representative argues that allowing transgender individuals into single-sex facilities “jeopardizes the safety and dignity” of female members and staff.
Mace disclosed that she received death threats over her proposal, which she hopes to embed in the rules for the 119th Congress. These rules govern House operations and will be voted on in January 2025.
Mace targeted Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, Delaware’s incoming and first openly transgender member of Congress, stating, “Sarah McBride doesn’t get a say in this. This is a biological man trying to force himself into women’s spaces.”
GOP Divided on Scope of Bathroom Ban
While Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene supports Mace’s initiative, she believes the restriction should extend to all taxpayer-funded facilities. Greene echoed Mace’s misgendering of McBride, referring to the incoming congresswoman as “a biological man.”
House Speaker Johnson avoided directly commenting on McBride’s gender when questioned during a leadership press conference.
Democratic Opposition and Concerns
Democratic Rep. Dean Phillips condemned Mace’s proposal as “pathetic,” questioning her rationale for the restrictions. In response, Mace controversially argued, “I don’t want people with penis’s [sic] showing them off in our locker room.”
Critics view these measures as an attack on transgender rights and a symbolic resistance to the increasing visibility of transgender individuals in politics.
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