Republicans ban US' first openly transgender congresswoman from using women's restrooms in Capitol
US Representative-elect Sarah McBride, Democrat from Delaware, attends an orientation for new members of Congress at the US Capitol in Washington, DC, on November 14, 2024. Photograph:( AFP )
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Despite disagreeing with the restrictions, McBride stated she would comply. "Each of us were sent here because voters saw something in us that they value," McBride shared on social media
Despite disagreeing with the restrictions, McBride stated she would comply. "Each of us were sent here because voters saw something in us that they value," McBride shared on social media
United States's first openly transgender member of Congress will not be allowed to use the women's restrooms in Capitol buildings. On Wednesday (Nov 20), House Speaker Mike Johnson voiced his support for banning the newly elected transgender Congresswoman from using women's restrooms and said that they are "reserved for individuals of that biological sex".
"All single-sex facilities in the Capitol and House Office Buildings -- such as restrooms, changing rooms and locker rooms -- are reserved for individuals of that biological sex," Speaker Mike Johnson said in a statement.
McBride responds
Despite disagreeing with the restrictions, McBride stated she would comply. "Each of us were sent here because voters saw something in us that they value," McBride shared on social media.
She also expressed hope for mutual respect among congressional members and added: "I look forward to seeing those qualities in every member come January. I hope all my colleagues will seek to do the same with me."
I’m not here to fight about bathrooms. I’m here to fight for Delawareans and to bring down costs facing families. pic.twitter.com/bCuv7pIZBY
— Sarah McBride (@SarahEMcBride) November 20, 2024
The ban on McBride's restroom use follows her historic election earlier this month as the first openly transgender member of Congress. The Democratic congresswoman, as per reports, has received a cold welcome from her Republican colleagues, who maintain control of the House after the November elections.
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Republicans push bill for broader restrictions
Representative Nancy Mace, a South Carolina Republican and Trump ally, earlier this week introduced a resolution to restrict transgender women's restroom access in Capitol facilities.
On Wednesday, Mace expanded her proposal, introducing legislation to apply similar restrictions across all federal properties.
In a statement on social media, Mace said, "biological men do not belong in private women's spaces. Period. Full stop. End of story."
Biological men do not belong in private women’s spaces. Period. Full stop. End of story. pic.twitter.com/IhR7kExkBU
— Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) November 18, 2024
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In another post, she called McBride's acceptance of the ban "a step toward acknowledging the rights of women everywhere".
Sarah McBride’s promise to abide by Speaker Johnson's policy is a step toward acknowledging the rights of women everywhere—something we’ll continue to demand without compromise.
— Rep. Nancy Mace (@RepNancyMace) November 20, 2024
Democrats and LGBTQ advocates react
Democrats and LGBTQ rights advocates denounced Mace's resolution and Johnson's support, calling it an affront to transgender dignity.
The ban controversy unfolded on Transgender Day of Remembrance, a day dedicated to honouring transgender individuals killed due to anti-trans violence — held each year on November 20. President Joe Biden issued a statement commemorating the day but avoided addressing the Capitol restroom debate directly.
"Too many transgender Americans, including young people, are cruelly targeted and face harassment simply for being themselves," said the outgoing US President.
(With inputs from agencies)
