The proposed resolution by Republican Nancy Mace aims to bar transgender women from using women's bathrooms in response to the election of Sarah McBride, sparking a contentious debate among lawmakers about rights, privacy, and inclusion.
South Carolina Lawmaker Proposes Bill to Restrict Transgender Bathroom Access at Capitol
South Carolina Lawmaker Proposes Bill to Restrict Transgender Bathroom Access at Capitol
A new legislative proposal by Congresswoman Nancy Mace seeks to limit transgender women's access to women's restrooms in the Capitol in reaction to the election of openly transgender lawmaker Sarah McBride.
South Carolina Congresswoman Nancy Mace has introduced a bill that seeks to prohibit transgender women from using women's restrooms in the U.S. Capitol. This measure comes shortly after the election of Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender lawmaker, who is set to be sworn into office in January. In comments made on Tuesday, Mace underscored that her resolution was “absolutely” a reaction to McBride's election, calling it a matter of “privacy” and “safety” for women.
McBride criticized the initiative as a “blatant attempt from far-right-wing extremists” to sidestep significant issues facing Americans. The Republican Party has emphasized a campaign against transgender rights, with former President Donald Trump asserting a commitment to removing “transgender insanity” from schools and women’s sports.
While Mace's bill does not explicitly reference McBride, she expressed her intent clearly in conversations with reporters, asserting it is about protecting “biological” spaces for women. McBride responded via social media, advocating for mutual respect among colleagues despite differing life journeys.
The resolution faced strong opposition from House Democrats, with Democratic Leader Hakeem Jeffries condemning it as an act of bullying against a fellow congresswoman. He expressed concern that Mace’s focus lies on attacking McBride rather than collaborating to address broader legislative issues.
It remains uncertain when Mace's proposal might be voted on in Congress, as it is likely to be included in the upcoming House rules package. Republican Speaker of the House Mike Johnson emphasized the need for consensus on such sensitive topics. He noted that the party aims to treat all members with dignity while ensuring appropriate accommodations are made for everyone.
The rise of such legislation corresponds with a broader Republican focus on limiting transgender rights across the nation, targeting areas such as access to gender-affirming surgeries and participation in sports categorized by gender. Notably, Donald Trump previously stated during his 2016 campaign that transgender individuals should be permitted to use whichever bathroom they feel appropriate—a position he later reversed amid party dissent.
