Transgender U.S. Lawmaker Responds to Efforts to Block Access to Women’s Restrooms

Sarah McBride, the first transgender person elected to the U.S. Congress, has addressed the controversy surrounding attempts to prevent her from using women’s restrooms in the House of Representatives. This move was spearheaded by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.), who introduced a resolution earlier this week aiming to ban transgender women from using female restrooms in the Capitol complex.

U.S. House Speaker Mike Johnson expressed his support for the policy, which restricts access to single-sex facilities in the Capitol and House Office Buildings based on biological sex. He stated, “Women deserve women-only spaces,” and emphasized that unisex restrooms are available throughout the Capitol, along with private restrooms in each member’s office.

McBride, a Democrat from Delaware, responded by clarifying that she would adhere to the rules set by Speaker Johnson, even if she disagrees with them. She stressed that her focus remains on legislative priorities, not the bathroom debate.

In a statement shared via Instagram, McBride said, “I’m not here to fight about bathrooms. I’m here to fight for Delawareans and address the challenges facing families.” She added that while these efforts to divert attention from more pressing issues haven’t distracted her, she remains committed to preparing to represent Delaware in Congress.

McBride also expressed excitement about serving in the 119th Congress and working with her colleagues across the political spectrum, emphasizing the shared mission of serving the American people.

This controversy emerged after Mace introduced a resolution targeting transgender individuals, and she later proposed a nationwide ban on transgender people using bathrooms that correspond with their gender identity in federal buildings. However, neither of these resolutions has yet been brought to a vote in the House.