Sarah McBride vs. Nancy Mace: The Debate Over Capitol Anti-Trans Bathroom Ban

Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, D-Del., is set to become the first openly transgender member of Congress in January. Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., responded controversially by proposing a resolution that would prohibit transgender women from using the restrooms in the U.S. Capitol. The resolution, which was submitted on Monday, would prevent workers and politicians from using restrooms that do not correspond to their biological sex at birth. Mace said the bill was "absolutely and then some" a response to McBride's historic triumph, confirming on Tuesday that it was directly related to her election. Mace, a survivor of sexual assault, framed the proposal as a safety issue. “I’m absolutely 100% going to stand against men in women’s spaces,” she stated.Democrats Denounce the MoveThe measure was denounced as discriminatory by Democratic MPs. Rep. Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, D-N.Y., referred to it as "just plain bullying," while Rep. Becca Balint, D-Vt., called it "cruel." According to Rep. Joe Morelle, D-N.Y., "(McBride) is a woman. She ought to go to the women's restroom," according to Forbes. McBride herself referred to the resolution as a diversion from the actual problems that Americans face. “Every day, people work respectfully with those from different life journeys,” McBride stated, urging Congress to model similar behavior.Calls for Stricter MeasuresWhile expressing support for Mace's endeavor, Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., said that it fell short. According to The Economic Times, Greene referred to McBride as a "biological man" and urged for more stringent, legally obligatory regulations. House Speaker Mike Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, chose not to express a firm opinion on the measure. Johnson denied participating in what he called "silly debates," per multiple videos across social media. He assured reporters that the House will "accommodate the needs of every person."Resolution’s Prospects Remain UncertainMace has suggested that the item be included in the rules for the 119th Congress, which is scheduled to meet in January. Should it fail, she promised to bring it up again during the following meeting. It's still uncertain how likely the resolution is. According to NBC News, Speaker Johnson has not committed to addressing it, and there is no scheduled timetable for a vote.Background on McBride and MaceWith 57.9% of the vote, 34-year-old McBride won Delaware's at-large congressional district. She will take over for Lisa Blunt Rochester, a Democrat who was elected to the Senate. McBride, a longtime supporter of LGBTQ rights, was the first openly transgender woman to hold a position in the White House and a former state senator from Delaware. The outspoken conservative Mace has previously backed South Carolina legislation requiring restroom usage according on biological sex. A transgender kid has already launched a federal lawsuit against the bill, which was passed in July, NBC reported.