U.S. House GOP Faces Pressure to Restrict Transgender Women’s Access to Capitol Restrooms

WASHINGTON — A significant political clash has emerged in Congress as Republican U.S. Rep. Nancy Mace from South Carolina has spearheaded an initiative to prohibit transgender women from using women’s restrooms in the U.S. Capitol and House office buildings. This effort coincides with the impending swearing-in of Democrat Sarah McBride of Delaware, who will become the first openly transgender member of Congress.

Mace’s legislative push has drawn criticism from House Democrats, who view it as an attempt to intimidate a newly elected colleague. In a social media post, Mace asserted, “Biological men do not belong in private women’s spaces. Period. Full stop. End of story.”

The proposed resolution aims to restrict the use of “single-sex facilities” within the Capitol to individuals based on their “biological sex.” Specifically, it states that members of Congress, along with House staff, would not be allowed to use restrooms, changing rooms, or lockers that do not correspond with their biological sex. If passed, enforcement would fall to the House sergeant-at-arms.

Mace previously expressed her support for LGBTQ rights, stating in 2021 that “no one should be discriminated against.” However, she also co-sponsored a Republican alternative to the Equality Act that sought to protect free exercise of religion while prohibiting discrimination on various grounds, including gender identity.

In response to Mace’s initiative, McBride called for Congress members to engage with each other respectfully, remarking that many Americans work alongside people with diverse backgrounds. She criticized Mace’s efforts as a “blatant attempt from far right-wing extremists” to draw attention away from pressing issues affecting the nation.

Further complicating matters, U.S. Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene suggested that Mace’s resolution didn’t go far enough and called for stricter measures to combat what she labeled “trans ideology.” Greene claimed that leaders within the House should take stronger action to address this issue, mentioning a commitment from U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson regarding bathroom access.

Johnson, however, remained noncommittal about specific actions in response to Mace’s resolution during a recent press conference, acknowledging the unprecedented nature of the issue for Congress. He emphasized the importance of treating all individuals with respect and ensuring appropriate accommodations for every member.

House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries challenged the Republican focus, questioning why the party is prioritizing a resolution aimed at marginalizing a member of Congress rather than fostering collaboration to address critical issues facing the American public.

Last updated 12:59 p.m., Nov. 19, 2024