GOP lawmaker scraps with Democrat in hearing over transgender ‘slur,’ bathroom rights: ‘Not going to have it’

A House Oversight Committee hearing turned contentious on Wednesday as Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., sparked outrage by repeatedly using a derogatory term to describe transgender individuals during a discussion on USAID funding.

Mace brought up the issue of USAID allocating $2 million to support transgender-led organizations in Guatemala to provide gender-affirming healthcare. In her remarks, she referred to transgender individuals using a term considered offensive and derogatory within the LGBTQ community. Mace’s comments ignited a heated exchange with fellow committee members, particularly Rep. Gerry Connolly, D-Va., who condemned the use of the derogatory term.

Connolly interrupted Mace, pointing out that the term she used was considered a slur and disrespectful to the transgender community. He emphasized the importance of maintaining decorum and respect in committee discussions and urged Mace to refrain from using offensive language. Despite Connolly’s plea, Mace continued to use the derogatory term, leading to further tension in the hearing.

Committee chairman Rep. James Comer, R-Ky., intervened to address the issue, acknowledging the need for respectful and civil discourse in committee proceedings. He expressed a willingness to educate himself on LGBTQ terminology and emphasized the importance of avoiding language that could be deemed offensive.

The heated exchange highlighted broader tensions surrounding LGBTQ rights and inclusion in government policies. Mace’s comments reflected her staunch opposition to transgender rights, as evidenced by her past legislative efforts to restrict transgender individuals’ access to public facilities.

The hearing also veered off track when Connolly called for a subpoena of Elon Musk, CEO of DOGE, to address concerns over financial mismanagement and corruption within USAID. Musk has been a vocal critic of government inefficiency and overspending, aligning with DOGE’s mission to streamline government operations.

Overall, the contentious hearing underscored the ongoing debate over LGBTQ rights and government accountability. The clash over language and policy differences highlighted the need for respectful dialogue and a commitment to upholding the rights and dignity of all individuals, regardless of their gender identity.