Rep. Nancy Mace introduced a resolution that would ban transgender women from using female bathrooms in the Capitol just weeks before Democratic Rep.-elect Sarah McBride is set to become the first out transgender member of Congress. Mace’s measure would prohibit lawmakers and House employees from using single-sex facilities that do not correspond to their biological sex. McBride criticized the resolution as a distraction from real issues facing Americans and emphasized the importance of respecting others’ life journeys. Mace argued that her resolution is about protecting women’s rights in private spaces, accusing the “radical left” of erasing those rights.
The House sergeant-at-arms would enforce the resolution if it passes, without requiring Senate approval or presidential signature. Mace plans to reintroduce the measure in the next Congress, where Republicans will retain control of the House. Additionally, data shows that Republicans spent over $200 million on television ads targeting trans people this year. The Republican Party platform has been strongly anti-trans, calling for bans on trans people in sports, undoing LGBTQ protections, and prohibiting taxpayer funds for gender-affirming surgery.
The Human Rights Campaign criticized Mace for discriminating against her incoming transgender colleague, calling the resolution a political charade and warning that the new anti-equality House majority may continue targeting LGBTQ+ individuals rather than addressing important issues. This move sparked controversy and backlash from LGBTQ advocacy groups and Democrats who view the resolution as discriminatory and unnecessary.
Photo credit
www.nbcnews.com