Transgender Bathroom Bill Sparks Controversy at Capitol

Since the election of the first transgender member of Congress – Rep.-elect Sarah McBride (D-DE) – Representative Nancy Mace (R-SC) introduced a resolution to bar transgender people at the Capitol from using single-sex facilities opposite of their assigned gender at birth. U.S. Representatives such as Congressmen Brian Mast (R-FL) and Wesley Hunt (R-TX) have provided their own opinions on the transgender bathroom issue at the Capitol Building.

First, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson (R-LA) recently announced that he supports protecting “women’s only spaces.” He released a statement to the media on Wednesday.

“All single-sex facilities in the Capitol and House Office Buildings – such as restrooms, changing rooms, and locker rooms – are reserved for individuals of that biological sex,” said Speaker Johnson. “It is important to note that each Member office has its own private restroom, and unisex restrooms are available throughout the Capitol.”

Rep. Mast spoke to The Floridian on this issue, saying it’s “common sense” that people should use facilities for their assigned gender at birth.

“No matter the masquerade men are men and women are women. And it should just be common sense that we all use the correct restroom,” said Mast.

Rep. Hunt provided a longer response regarding transgender bathrooms at the Capitol, applauding Speaker Johnson and Rep. Mace for their efforts.

"I am the father of three children, including my daughters, Victoria and Olivia, who are six and four years old. My children visit the Capitol, and the last thing l will tolerate is a man entering a women's bathroom-especially when my daughters are present,” said Rep. Hunt.

He continued, pointing out President-elect Trump’s “sweeping mandate” as a rationale for this decision regarding Capitol bathrooms.

“The Republican Party is the party of common sense and the protector of women. This, among many reasons, is why President Trump earned a sweeping mandate from the American people on November 5^th,” said Hunt. “Congress is not a sideshow for leftists to pervert our ideals or target our kids. I applaud Representative Mace for her bill and Speaker Johnson for his statement. Enough of the games.”

Finally, he emphasized his belief that there are only two genders, reinforced by human history.

“There are two genders. There have been two genders since the beginning of mankind, and there will be two genders until the end of time. We should be working for the benefit of the American people, not wasting time debating biological confusion. I'm proud to stand with my colleagues who are drawing a red line on this issue – an issue that, frankly, should never have been an issue in the first place,” concluded Hunt.

Rep.-elect McBride released a statement, saying:

“I’m not here to fight about bathrooms. I’m here to fight for Delawareans and to bring down costs facing families. Like all members, I will follow the rules as outlined by Speaker Johnson, even if I disagree with them … Each of us were sent here because voters saw something in us that they value. I have loved getting to see those qualities in the future colleagues that I’ve met and I look forward to seeing those qualities in every member come January. I hope all of my colleagues will seek to do the same with me.”