Speaker Mike Johnson expressed his support for restricting “single-sex facilities” in the Capitol to individuals of their biological sex, which would effectively ban the first transgender congresswoman, Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, from using women’s bathrooms. Rep. Nancy Mace introduced a resolution to specifically target transgender women like McBride from using female facilities in the Capitol. Johnson stated that all single-sex facilities in the Capitol are reserved for individuals of that biological sex, emphasizing that women deserve women’s only spaces. While Johnson’s statement does not formally restrict transgender people from using gender-aligned bathrooms, it signals potential rules that could be included in the upcoming Congress’ package.
Democrats have strongly opposed Mace’s resolution, with House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries accusing Republicans of bullying McBride. Rep. Jamie Raskin and Rep. Pramila Jayapal criticized the proposal as discriminatory, insulting, and hateful. Senate Majority Leader Chuck Schumer also condemned the resolution as mean and cruel. McBride responded to the resolution by calling it a distraction from real issues facing Americans and urged Congress to focus on addressing housing, healthcare, and childcare costs.
Overall, the debate over transgender individuals using gender-aligned facilities in the Capitol has sparked strong reactions from both Democrats and Republicans, with a focus on inclusivity, discrimination, and workplace bullying. While restrictions have not been formalized, the issue remains contentious within the political landscape.
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