Politician hangs 'sickening' sign outside colleague's office

A Republican congresswoman embroiled in controversy has hung a sign showing her opposition to the Equality Act, a stance described by one Democratic opponent as "sickening".

Marjorie Taylor Greene placed a sign reading "There are TWO genders: Male & Female ‘Trust The Science!’” outside the office of Democratic congresswoman Marie Newman in retaliation to the pair publicly feuding over legislation supporting trans rights.

“Our neighbour, Marjorie Taylor Greene, tried to block the Equality Act because she believes prohibiting discrimination against trans Americans is 'disgusting, immoral, and evil,” Newman tweeted Thursday.

“Thought we'd put up our Transgender flag so she can look at it every time she opens her door,” she added along with a video of herself placing the trans pride flag directly opposite Greene’s office.

Equality Act proposed to support LGBTQ community

The Equality Act amends existing civil rights law to explicitly include sexual orientation and gender identification as protected characteristics. The protections would extend to employment, housing, loan applications, education, public accommodations and other areas.

The House passed the Equality Act in the last Congress with unanimous Democratic support and the backing of eight Republicans, but Donald Trump’s White House opposed the measure.

Hours after Newman's tweet, Greene responded with a video of her placing the sign opposite Newman’s office.

“Our neighbour, RepMarieNewman, wants to pass the so-called "Equality" Act to destroy women’s rights and religious freedoms," Greene said.

“Thought we’d put up ours so she can look at it every time she opens her door.”

Newman, who has a transgender daughter named Evie, has been a vocal supporter of the Equality Act - a proposed legislation that would criminalise discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation.

Newman 'my daughter has found her authentic self'

On Tuesday she gave an impassioned speech stating that her daughter was one of millions who were discriminated against because she identified as a member of the LGBTQ community.

“Americans like my own daughter, who years ago, bravely came out to her parents as transgender. I knew from that day on my daughter would be living in a nation where, in most of its states, she could be discriminated against merely because of who she is,” she said.

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“And yet, it was still the happiest day of my life, and my daughter has found her authentic self. As any mother would, I swore that I would fight to ensure this country changes for the better.

“Our transgender flag not only represents her but the millions of Americans that deserve not to be bullied or discriminated against by anyone – let alone a sitting member of Congress.”

Newman continued stating she was voting yes on the Equality Act for her daughter.

Equality Act destroys women's rights, Greene says

Greene responded on Twitter: “As mothers, we all love and support our children. But your biological son does NOT belong in my daughters' bathrooms, locker rooms, and sports teams.”

Greene spoke out against the legislation stating it “destroyed” women’s rights and religious freedoms.

“The Equality Act completely destroys women's rights, girl’s rights, women’s sports and religious freedoms,” she said.

Democratic Congressman Sean Casten called Ms Greene’s actions “sickening, pathetic” and “unimaginably cruel,” he tweeted.

“This hate is exactly why the Equality Act is necessary and what we must protect Marie Newman’s daughter, and all our LGBTQ+ loved ones, against.”

Republican Congressman Bob Good thanked Greene for motioning to adjourn the Equality Act “for her attempt to provide members the proper amount of time to consider this terrible piece of legislation".

On Thursday the Equality Act passed by a vote of 224-206 with three Republicans joining Democrats in voting yes.

President Joe Biden made clear his support for the Equality Act in the lead-up to last year’s election, saying it would be one of his first priorities.

with AP

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