Rep. Nancy Mace Moves to Ban Transgender Rep.-Elect McBride from Women's Restrooms; Speaker Johnson Supports

Nov 19, 2024, 07:00 PM

Republican Representative Nancy Mace of South Carolina has introduced a resolution to prohibit transgender women from using women's restrooms in the U.S. Capitol, explicitly targeting Democratic Representative-elect Sarah McBride of Delaware, the first openly transgender member of Congress. Mace, a rape survivor, cited concerns for women's safety and privacy, stating, "I'm not going to stand for a man, someone with a penis, in the women's locker room." She added, "I will die on this hill." In a symbolic gesture, Mace placed a "Biological" sign over a women's restroom in the Capitol. The congresswoman has reported receiving death threats over her stance but vowed to "double down" on her efforts, announcing plans to introduce additional legislation to protect women's spaces. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed support, reportedly committing to include a provision in the House rules package to enforce the ban. The proposal has drawn criticism from Democrats and LGBTQ+ advocates, including McBride, who accuse Mace and other Republicans of discrimination and targeting transgender individuals.