House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) unveiled a new policy on Wednesday that bans transgender women from using Capitol bathrooms that align with their gender identity. This move marks a significant stance on a highly debated issue that has recently gained attention in Washington.
The policy will also apply to restrooms, changing rooms, and locker rooms in House office buildings. It’s still unclear when the official policy will be released, but under House rules, the Speaker has “general control” over the facilities, granting him authority to enforce such policies regarding bathroom access.
Johnson’s statement specified that all single-sex facilities in the Capitol and House Office Buildings, such as restrooms, changing rooms, and locker rooms, will be designated for individuals based on their biological sex. “Women deserve women’s only spaces,” Johnson emphasized. He also pointed out that each Member office has its own private restroom and that unisex restrooms are available throughout the Capitol.
This announcement was made on Transgender Day of Remembrance, an observance dedicated to honoring trans individuals who have lost their lives to anti-trans violence. The timing follows a recent bill introduced by Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) that seeks to restrict transgender women’s access to gender-matching facilities on Capitol Hill, which has sparked debate in light of the recent election of Rep.-elect Sarah McBride (D-Del.), the first openly transgender person elected to Congress.
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Johnson’s decision to formally announce the policy comes after he had previously avoided addressing McBride’s election and declined to comment on whether he would include Mace’s bill in the House rules package for the upcoming 119th Congress. During a press conference earlier in the week, he said, “We don’t look down upon anyone. We treat everybody with dignity and respect. That’s a principle that I’ve pursued my whole life.”
Later, in a statement, Johnson clarified his position, saying, “A man is a man, and a woman is a woman, and a man cannot become a woman.” He emphasized that while he holds these beliefs, he also believes in treating everyone with dignity.
Rep. McBride sharply criticized Mace’s legislation, calling it a “blatant attempt from far right-wing extremists” to divert attention from pressing issues facing the country.
“We should be focused on addressing the cost of housing, healthcare, and child care, not manufacturing culture wars,” McBride said. “Delawareans sent me here to make the American dream more affordable and accessible, and that’s what I’m focused on.”
Johnson’s policy announcement comes after Mace had threatened to push for a vote on her bill, demanding that its terms be included in the rules package for the 119th Congress. Mace indicated she would force a vote on the matter if those provisions were not included.
