Republican’s effort to block first transgender House member from using women’s bathrooms brings campaign issue to the Capitol
On one side of the Capitol, Republican Rep. Nancy Mace vowed to block Democratic Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender woman elected to Congress, from using women’s restrooms in the building. Across the way, McBride was privately advising her fellow Democrats on how to address anti-transgender rhetoric while staying focused on policy. McBride, who has faced similar attacks in Delaware, reassured her colleagues that she wouldn't let these challenges define her.
“This is not her first rodeo,” said Rep. Becca Balint, praising McBride's leadership. “She’s helping us stay on message, because if we let them, all we’ll talk about is bathrooms.”
Transgender rights became a major flashpoint during the 2016 campaign, with President-elect Trump drawing attention to the issue, and Republicans continuing the fight in Congress. Mace introduced a resolution to block transgender women from using women’s restrooms in the Capitol, while GOP Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene escalated the rhetoric, threatening violence and calling McBride “mentally ill.”
On Wednesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced a ban on transgender women using women's restrooms, changing rooms, and locker rooms in the Capitol, though enforcement details remained unclear. Johnson’s stance, he said, was rooted in both his religious beliefs and a commitment to treating everyone with dignity.
McBride responded, emphasizing her focus on representing Delaware and addressing issues like cost-of-living for families. “I will follow the rules as outlined by Speaker Johnson, even if I disagree with them,” she posted on X.
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While Johnson explores enforcement options, including potential signage or accommodations for McBride, some Republicans worry about the practicalities of the policy. Some GOP lawmakers, however, are reluctant to engage in the debate, preferring to focus on broader policy matters.
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