Trans New Congresswoman Speaks Up on Capitol Bathroom Ban

Sarah McBride, the soon-to-be congresswoman and the first openly transgender person elected to the US House of Representatives, recently shared her thoughts on the House's decision to ban trans people from using bathrooms that match their gender identity on Capitol Hill. This rule was announced by House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Louisiana Republican, who stated that single-sex facilities should be reserved for individuals of the same biological sex. Johnson mentioned that each member office has a private restroom and that unisex restrooms are available throughout the Capitol. He also emphasized that women deserve women-only spaces. McBride, who will represent Delaware starting in January, had initially criticized such restrictions as a distraction from more pressing issues like housing, healthcare, and childcare. After the announcement, McBride took to social media to express her disappointment but also her commitment to working with her colleagues. She wrote, "I'm here to fight for Delawareans and to bring down costs facing families. I will follow the rules, even if I disagree with them. " Earlier, Republican Representative Nancy Mace from South Carolina introduced a bill to enforce this ban. Mace believes that McBride, as a trans woman, does not belong in women's spaces. This bill is part of a broader Republican strategy to limit transgender people's access to certain facilities and sports teams. Wisconsin Representative Mark Pocan, chair of the congressional equality caucus, criticized the ban, calling it a cruel and unnecessary rule that could lead to abuse and discrimination. LPac, a political action committee that endorses LGBTQ+ candidates, defended McBride and questioned the real motives behind the ban.