Republican Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina introduced a resolution on Monday requiring individuals in the Capitol complex to use bathrooms corresponding to their gender assigned at birth.
The proposal arrives ahead of Democratic Rep.-elect Sarah McBride of Delaware, the first openly transgender member of the House, being sworn into office in January.
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Mace is working with House leadership to integrate these restrictions into the upcoming rules package for the new congressional session. If these efforts fail, Mace plans to bypass standard legislative procedures by introducing a privileged motion, forcing the matter to a vote.
“Never thought this would have to happen, but we are introducing a resolution banning biological men from entering protected spaces for women on Capitol grounds. Protecting biological women starts here and it starts now,” said Mace on X.
According to the resolution, enforcement would fall under the jurisdiction of House Sergeant-at-Arms William McFarland. However, specifics about how the mandate would be upheld remain unclear. Similar state-level laws have relied on anonymous complaints for enforcement, a controversial method criticized as ineffective and divisive.
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Rep.-elect Sarah McBride condemned the proposal, calling it a distraction from pressing issues. “This is a blatant attempt from far-right extremists to divert attention from their lack of real solutions to the challenges Americans face,” McBride said in a statement. “We should focus on addressing the cost of housing, health care, and child care—not manufacturing culture wars.”
The House is scheduled to vote on its rules package in early January. Republicans hold a narrow majority, which could influence the outcome of Mace’s resolution. Whether the measure gains traction or becomes a flashpoint in the broader culture war remains to be seen.
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