Mace bill would ban trans people from bathrooms in federal buildings

Mace bill would ban trans people from bathrooms in federal buildings

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) has unveiled a bill that would ban transgender people from bathrooms aligned with their gender identity in federal buildings.

In a post on the social platform X, Mace said she had “filed a new bill to protect women and girls across the entire country on all federal property everywhere,” and attached a copy of it.

The bill’s stated purpose, according to its text, is stopping “individuals from accessing or using single-sex facilities on Federal property other than those corresponding to their biological sex, and for other purposes.”

The bill continues a GOP crusade against transgender rights, a major feature of President-elect Trump’s campaign against Vice President Harris, particularly through television attack ads.

Democrats have blasted Mace for the latest bill and other actions targeting Rep.-elect Sarah McBride (D-Del.), who this month became the first transgender person elected to Congress.

“Where is the part that lowers grocery costs? Drug prices? Or builds housing?” Rep. Becca Balint (D-Vt.) said in a post on X responding to Mace’s bill. “Oh, right—it’s just about cruelty and feeding your need for attention.”

Mace’s bill may conflict with recent changes to Title IX, which includes protections against discrimination based on sex in schools and other programs receiving government funding. The new rule prohibits policies categorically banning transgender students from school bathrooms matching their gender identity.

Earlier this week, Mace introduced a bill aimed at prohibiting transgender women from facilities on Capitol Hill that match their gender identity.

Rep. Mark Pocan (D-Wis.), chair of the Congressional Equality Caucus, a pro-LGBTQ caucus, called that bill “a pathetic, attention-seeking attempt to grab Trump’s eye and the media spotlight — and trans people, including trans employees, are paying the price.”

On Wednesday, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) announced a new policy barring transgender women from using Capitol bathrooms matching their gender identity.

“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,” Johnson said. “It is important to note that each Member office has its own private restroom, and unisex restrooms are available throughout the Capitol.”

McBride issued a statement later in the day saying she’d follow the rules, even if she didn’t agree with them.

“I’m not here to fight about bathrooms. I’m here to fight for Delawareans and to bring down the costs facing families. Like all members, I will follow the rules outlined by Speaker Johnson, even if I disagree with them,” McBride said in a statement posted to X.

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