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Speaker Johnson Bars Transgender Women from Capitol Facilities, Says 'Women Deserve Women's-Only Spaces'

Nov 20, 2024, 05:20 PM

On Wednesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced a policy barring transgender women from using women's restrooms and other single-sex facilities in the Capitol and House Office Buildings, citing his authority under House rules, which give the Speaker 'general control' over facilities. Johnson stated, 'Women deserve women's-only spaces,' and specified that '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.' This move follows an effort led by Representative Nancy Mace, who had filed a bill on the matter, and is supported by Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene. The policy comes as Congress prepares to welcome its first openly transgender member, Representative-elect Sarah McBride. It remains unclear how the policy will be enforced.