Capitol Hill faces bathroom bill backlash after historic election
"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," wrote U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson. His post is a reaction to the election of Sarah McBride, who, starting in January, will become the first transgender person to serve in Congress.
The emotions surrounding the recent elections in the United States remain high. Just a few days ago, the world was buzzing with Donald Trump's victory, as he is set to become President of the U.S. for the second time. Now, one of the current topics in American politics involves bathrooms.
The controversy arises with Sarah McBride, the first transgender person in history to be elected to the U.S. House of Representatives. Republicans have already introduced a bill prohibiting transgender women from using women's bathrooms on Capitol Hill.
"Non-biological" woman in Congress
"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," wrote House Speaker Mike Johnson.
"Women deserve women’s only spaces," he added.
His post, which simultaneously serves as a statement from the House of Representatives, results from the debate sparked by the election of Sarah McBride, a Democrat from Delaware, to the House of Representatives. Although she did not campaign under the banner of advocating for transgender rights, some members of American Congress take issue with her identity.
Nancy Mace, a Republican representative from South Carolina, has already submitted a bill that would prohibit transgender women from using women's bathrooms on Capitol Hill. She also placed signs on the doors indicating that they were for "biological" women.
Sarah McBride's reaction
"We should be focusing on lowering the cost of housing, healthcare, and childcare—not manufacturing culture wars," Sarah McBride wrote in response.
The Democrat did not emphasize her transgender identity during her campaign. Many voters supported her due to her long-standing involvement in healthcare issues, one of the most significant social topics in the United States.
Thanks in part to McBride's efforts, regulations were introduced that provided residents of Delaware—the state she represents—with a family insurance program and the right to paid sick leave. She also passed legislation that will allocate an additional $100 million for health insurance.
