WASHINGTON – On Tuesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed his support for a Republican initiative aimed at restricting Democrat Sarah McBride, who will become the first transgender individual elected to Congress, from accessing women’s restrooms in the Capitol once she assumes office next year.
“We will not allow men in women’s facilities,” Johnson declared while discussing the matter. He emphasized, “I have maintained a consistent stance regarding this with anyone I’ve had conversations with.”
Drawing on his Christian beliefs, Johnson pointed out the importance of respecting and honoring the dignity of all individuals, while noting that “this is a matter Congress has yet to confront, and we intend to approach it thoughtfully and with the agreement of our members.”
A resolution put forth on Monday by Republican Representative Nancy Mace from South Carolina seeks to prevent any lawmaker and House staff from utilizing the restrooms designated for the opposite biological sex. Mace specifically indicated that this proposal targets McBride, who was recently elected to represent Delaware in the House.
The discussion around the rights of transgender individuals to use restrooms that match their gender identity has become a contentious issue across the United States. It also emerged as a key topic during Donald Trump’s presidential campaign. Currently, at least 11 states have enacted laws that prohibit transgender girls and women from accessing girls’ and women’s restrooms in public schools and certain government buildings.
During a media briefing on Tuesday, Mace stated, “I will undoubtedly oppose any male who attempts to enter women’s restrooms, locker rooms, or changing areas.” She also conveyed confidence that Johnson would incorporate the bathroom regulations into the updates to House rules for the upcoming Congress.
“If that doesn’t happen,” she asserted, “I am prepared to take on that challenge.”
In response, members of the Democratic party, including McBride, criticized the GOP’s initiative as “bullying” and a mere “distraction.”
“This is an overtly aggressive tactic by extreme right-wing factions to divert attention from their lack of meaningful solutions to the real issues affecting Americans,” stated McBride. She emphasized that the focus should be on significant issues such as reducing costs for housing, healthcare, and childcare rather than igniting cultural disputes.
Rep. Katherine Clark, the House’s second-ranking Democrat, remarked sarcastically on the priorities of House Republicans. “Their day one discussion is about where one out of 435 members will go to the bathroom? Is that really what they are concentrated on?” the Massachusetts representative commented during a press conference.
McBride’s election this month followed her rise as a notable LGBTQ activist, having garnered over $3 million in campaign funding from across the nation. She made history in 2016 as the first openly transgender person to speak at a major party convention in the United States, addressing the Democratic National Convention.
Following her recent victory, McBride remarked that her election reflects Delawareans’ values of evaluating candidates by their ideas, rather than their identities, highlighting the community’s inclusive spirit.