Speaker's restroom policy ignites debate after historic election
Mike Johnson decided that restrooms designated for women and men in the Capitol could only be used by individuals of that biological sex. This is a response to the election of Sarah McBride, who will become the first transgender person to serve in Congress in January.
7:38 AM EST, November 21, 2024
Mike Johnson, Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives, announced that restrooms in the Capitol will be available to individuals according to their biological sex. This decision is a response to the election of Sarah McBride, the first transgender person 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," Johnson wrote. "Women deserve women’s only spaces," he added.
Reactions to the decision
Johnson's decision sparked debate, particularly in the context of Sarah McBride's election from Delaware. Nancy Mace, a Republican Representative, proposed a bill prohibiting transgender women from using women's restrooms in the Capitol. Mace also placed signs on restroom doors indicating they are for "biological" women.
"We should be focused on bringing down the cost of housing, health care and child care, not manufacturing culture wars," responded transgender McBride.
Alternative solutions
Johnson emphasized that transgender individuals can use unisex restrooms, and congressional offices have separate toilets. The rules for using spaces in the Capitol fall under the jurisdiction of the Speaker of the House. This decision is part of a broader debate on transgender rights in the U.S.
