South Carolina Rep. Proposes Ban on Transgender Bathroom Use in Capitol

U.S. Representative Nancy Mace from South Carolina has put forth a resolution aimed at restricting transgender individuals from using bathrooms that align with their gender identity in the U.S. Capitol. This proposal emerges just weeks before the inauguration of the first transgender member of Congress, U.S. Rep.-elect Sarah McBride from Delaware.

Details of the Resolution

The two-page resolution, publicly disclosed on November 18, seeks to enforce a policy that would only allow House members and staff to use single-sex facilities corresponding to their biological sex. Notably, this measure does not seem to target public restrooms used by visitors; however, Mace has indicated plans to introduce similar restrictions applicable to all federal property.

In her defense of the resolution, Mace emphasized the importance of protecting women’s rights, asserting that "the sanctity of protecting women and standing up against the Left’s systematic erasure of biological women starts here in the nation’s Capitol." She expressed her commitment to advocating for women’s spaces and restoring order to Capitol Hill.

Mace further elaborated, stating, "The Left screams TERF (trans-exclusionary radical feminist) politics; we call it putting women first."

Reactions from the Community

This resolution comes at a critical time as Sarah McBride is poised to join Congress in January. McBride has publicly condemned Mace’s initiative, describing it as a "blatant attempt from far right-wing extremists" aimed at diverting attention from pressing issues facing Americans. She called for a focus on significant concerns such as housing, healthcare, and childcare, rather than engaging in manufactured cultural conflicts.

Legislative Implications

The resolution introduced by Mace is classified as a simple resolution, which addresses internal matters of the House or Senate and does not have the power of law. Nevertheless, Mace has committed to drafting legislation concerning this issue in the upcoming congressional session.

Adding to the context of Mace’s push, a local situation is drawing attention— a 13-year-old transgender boy has initiated a lawsuit against the Berkeley County Schools and the state after being barred from using the bathroom that corresponds with his gender identity, due to a newly established state rule. This school district falls within the congressional district that Mace represents.

Mace’s actions in Washington reflect a broader national sentiment surrounding gender identity and bathroom access, especially as the political landscape evolves with the inclusion of more diverse voices in Congress.