First openly trans rep-elect claims GOP focus on transgender issues an ‘attempt to distract’ voters

The first openly transgender politician elected to the U.S. House, Democratic Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, has spoken out against the GOP’s focus on transgender issues, calling it an “attempt to distract” voters. McBride, who was elected to represent Delaware earlier this month, made her comments during an appearance on CBS’ “Face the Nation.”

“I think we are all united that attempts to attack a vulnerable community are not only mean-spirited, but really an attempt to misdirect. Because every single time we hear the incoming administration or Republicans in Congress talk about any vulnerable group in this country, we have to be clear that it is an attempt to distract,” McBride said.

She went on to emphasize that whenever the GOP brings up transgender issues, it is a diversion from more pressing matters such as workers’ rights, Social Security, Medicare, and other important policy issues. McBride pointed out that the focus on transgender issues takes away valuable time and energy from addressing the cost of living for constituents.

President-elect Trump, conservative voters, and members of Congress have all raised concerns about transgender issues, particularly in the context of barring biological men from competing in women’s sports and using women’s facilities. South Carolina Republican Rep. Nancy Mace recently introduced legislation to prohibit individuals from using facilities that do not correspond to their biological sex.

Mace’s bills have sparked controversy, with Democrats like McBride criticizing her as a “far-right extremist” and accusing her of manufacturing culture wars. However, Mace has defended her stance, arguing that women deserve women-only spaces and should not be forced to share private facilities with biological men.

In response to the debate, House Speaker Mike Johnson announced that single-sex facilities on Capitol Hill will be used by individuals with the corresponding biological sex. Johnson emphasized that women deserve women’s only spaces and that the policy is important to uphold.

Despite the backlash and criticism, Mace remains steadfast in her position, asserting that men should not be allowed in women’s restrooms and that women should not be forced to undress in front of men. She has pushed back against Democrats who have attacked her for introducing the legislation, including Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez.

In conclusion, the debate over transgender issues continues to be a contentious issue in Congress, with both sides fiercely defending their positions. As the conversation evolves, it is crucial to prioritize the well-being and rights of all individuals while also addressing important policy issues that affect the American people.