Rep. Mace Proposes Capitol Transgender Bathroom Ban
Facts
- US Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) on Monday introduced a resolution to prohibit House members and employees from using Capitol bathrooms that don't correspond to their biological sex.[1]
- This proposal comes weeks before Sarah McBride (D-Del.), who won Delaware's House seat, is set to become the first openly transgender member of Congress in January.[2]
- The resolution calls for the House sergeant-at-arms to enforce the prohibition in single-sex Capitol facilities, including restrooms, locker rooms, and changing rooms.[3]
- McBride previously served in Delaware's state senate and led bipartisan efforts to pass paid family leave and minimum wage increases.[4]
- Mace's proposal emerges amid broader national debates, as multiple Republican-led state legislatures passed similar bathroom bills targeting transgender individuals in 2023.[4]
- House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) indicated Republicans would discuss the measure, stating they're 'working on the issue.'[5]
Sources: [1]NBC, [2]New York Post, [3]Daily Wire, [4]CNN and [5]Daily Mail.
Narratives
- Republican narrative, as provided by FOX News. Mace seeks to protect women's rights and safety in private spaces, preventing biological males from entering areas designated for females. The measure safeguards the dignity of female lawmakers and House staff. This fundamental protection of women's spaces must begin at the Capitol.
- Democratic narrative, as provided by The Pinknews. All Mace is doing is manufacturing a culture war distraction from pressing economic issues facing Americans, including housing, healthcare, and childcare costs. Americans regularly work respectfully alongside people with different life experiences, and Congress should demonstrate similar inclusivity.