Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) introduced a resolution Monday to bar biological males from using women’s restrooms and other female-only facilities on Capitol Hill, igniting a fierce backlash from progressive circles.
The proposal comes less than two weeks after Rep.-elect Sarah McBride (D-Del.), a transgender woman, made history as the first openly trans person elected to Congress. Mace cited her primary motivation for the resolution as safeguarding privacy and ensuring women’s spaces remain exclusive to biological females.
“Biological men do not belong in women’s restrooms,” Mace stated. “It’s an invasion of privacy.” She confirmed that McBride’s election played a significant role in prompting her decision to act.
Despite receiving a wave of hateful messages and even death threats, Mace has stood firm. Her resolve has inspired support from House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.), who announced Wednesday that biological males would be prohibited from using female-only restrooms and other facilities within the Capitol.
Under House rules, the Speaker has authority over the management of Capitol facilities. Johnson’s statement outlined the new policy:
“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. It is important to note that each Member office has its own private restroom, and unisex restrooms are available throughout the Capitol.”
Mace celebrated Johnson’s announcement, posting the iconic Rosie the Riveter image on X (formerly Twitter), symbolizing her commitment to defending women’s spaces.
“Women deserve women’s-only spaces,” Mace wrote.
McBride’s election and subsequent use of female facilities have been a point of contention. Critics accuse McBride of disregarding women’s privacy. A photo posted by McBride from a women’s restroom sparked outrage, with some calling the behavior inappropriate and invasive.
So incoming Congressman Sarah McBride posted a photo of himself in a women’s bathroom and basically bragged about being able to go inside online.
— Eric Daugherty (@EricLDaugh) November 20, 2024
How sick. @RepNancyMace is right to keep him OUT of their female bathrooms. pic.twitter.com/ya5Urw2o2n
“Rep. Nancy Mace is right to keep him out of female bathrooms,” Eric Daugherty, a conservative commentator, posted on social media.
The resolution has drawn sharp criticism from the left, with opponents labeling it as discriminatory and exclusionary. Supporters, however, view it as a necessary step to protect the rights and safety of women in shared spaces.
While the policy marks a win for those advocating for women’s privacy, it underscores the deepening cultural divide in Congress. The issue of transgender inclusion in gender-specific spaces continues to spark heated debates, with this latest development adding fuel to the fire.
For now, Capitol Hill’s restrooms and other female-only spaces will adhere to the newly implemented policy, ensuring they remain designated for biological women.