House Speaker Mike Johnson has declared that lawmakers and staff in the Capitol and House Office Buildings must use the restroom corresponding with their biological sex. This statement was made in response to the upcoming arrival of Sarah McBride, the first transgender person to be elected to Congress.
Johnson emphasized that all single-sex facilities are reserved for individuals of that biological sex, stating that 'women deserve women’s only spaces.' He also highlighted the importance of treating all persons with dignity and respect.
A resolution introduced by GOP Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina aims to restrict McBride's access to women's restrooms, with Mace pledging to 'keep men out of women's spaces.' In response, McBride expressed her focus on addressing the real issues facing the country and stated that she will follow the rules outlined by Speaker Johnson, despite any disagreements.
The larger debate over transgender rights and bathroom access has been a prominent issue in the U.S., with at least 11 states adopting laws barring transgender individuals from using facilities that align with their gender identity. Democrats have criticized the GOP campaign against McBride, with Rep. Eric Sorensen calling the comments 'absolutely ignorant.'
McBride, known for her LGBTQ+ activism, is set to join Congress next year after raising over $3 million in campaign contributions. She made history in 2016 as the first openly transgender person to address a major party convention in the U.S. at the Democratic National Convention.
