House Speaker Mike Johnson made a declaration on Wednesday stating that lawmakers and staff must use restrooms corresponding with their biological sex. This announcement was directed at Sarah McBride, the first transgender person elected to Congress. Johnson emphasized the need to treat all individuals with dignity and respect, but also stated that single-sex facilities in the Capitol and House Office Buildings are reserved for individuals of that biological sex.
This statement came after Rep. Nancy Mace introduced a resolution to restrict McBride’s access to women’s restrooms, pledging to “keep men out of women’s spaces.” McBride responded by calling the effort a distraction from real issues facing the country and stating that her focus is on fighting for Delawareans and reducing costs for families.
The debate over transgender rights, particularly regarding restroom use, has been a controversial topic in the U.S. McBride, who has been an LGBTQ+ activist and raised over $3 million in campaign contributions, will be joining Congress next year. Democrats have criticized the GOP’s campaign against McBride as bullying, with Rep. Eric Sorensen calling Mace’s comments “absolutely ignorant.”
This issue highlights the ongoing challenges faced by transgender individuals and the pushback they receive in accessing facilities that align with their gender identity. As McBride prepares to take office, the debate over transgender rights and restroom access continues to be a prominent issue in national politics.
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