Johnson unveils Capitol bathroom policy, Mace announces another transgender bill
House Speaker Mike Johnson made headlines on Wednesday when he announced a new bathroom policy for the U.S. Capitol in response to controversy surrounding transgender Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, D-Del. Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, stated that all single-sex facilities in the Capitol and House Office Buildings are reserved for individuals of their biological sex.
“It is important to note that each Member office has its own private restroom, and unisex restrooms are available throughout the Capitol,” Johnson said in a statement obtained by Fox News Digital. “Women deserve women’s only spaces.”
Johnson emphasized that the policy is enforceable and explained, “We have single-sex facilities for a reason, and women deserve women’s only spaces. We’re not anti anyone. We’re pro-women, and I think it’s an important policy for us to continue. It’s always been the, I guess, an unwritten policy, but now it’s in writing.”
In response to the controversy, Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., introduced a resolution to prohibit members, officers, and employees of the House from using single-sex facilities other than those corresponding to their biological sex. Mace, who is a rape survivor, faced criticism from Democrats, including McBride, but she stood firm in her position.
Mace introduced another bill to ban biological men from using women’s private, protected facilities on all federal property. She stated, “Women fought for these spaces, and I will not let them be erased to score political points with a small but loud activist class.”
“The radical Left would rather call me an extremist than admit they are wrong,” Mace added. “Women and girls shouldn’t have to give up their safety or privacy just because the Left wants to win points with their activist base. This isn’t controversial – it’s common sense.”
Johnson, who had initially declined to comment on whether McBride was a man or a woman, later clarified his stance, saying, “Let me be unequivocally clear: A man is a man, and a woman is a woman. And a man cannot become a woman.” He also emphasized the importance of treating everyone with dignity.
The debate over transgender rights and bathroom policies continues to be a contentious issue, with lawmakers on both sides of the aisle expressing strong opinions. As the conversation evolves, it remains to be seen how the new policy in the U.S. Capitol will be implemented and enforced.
