Opposition mounts against Mace's plan to exclude transgender congresswoman from using women's restrooms

On Tuesday, Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., engaged in a heated debate with her critics over her proposal to exclude men who identify as female from using the women's restrooms on Capitol Hill.

On Monday, Mace filed a resolution that prohibits "Members, officers, and employees of the House from using single-sex facilities other than those corresponding to their biological sex." This was first reported by Elizabeth Elkind of Planet Chronicle Digital.

As the first openly transgender lawmaker, Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, D-Del., prepares to join Congress in January, she is a biological male who identifies and presents as a woman.

"McBride stated that the far-right wing extremists' attempt to divert attention from their lack of solutions to Americans' problems is a clear example of their tactics. Instead of engaging in culture wars, we should prioritize reducing the cost of housing, healthcare, and childcare."

McBride stated that he was sent by Delawareans to make the American dream more affordable and accessible, which is his main focus.

Mace's resolution was aimed at McBride, as the South Carolina congresswoman confirmed.

"Biological men have no rights to women's private spaces. It's perverted to think otherwise," Mace posted on X in response to another user.

"Sarah McBride has no say in this matter. I will always defend women and girls. Period. Full stop. That's it."

Mace was labeled a bigot and a bully by McBride's defenders due to his uncompromising stance.

Aaron Rupar, a left-wing journalist, posted a screenshot of Mace's reply and commented, "Observe how 'concerns about fairness in sports' have evolved into overtly transphobic prejudice."

"I will defend women's rights from the far-left radicals who seek to eliminate us, as it is not bigotry to prioritize their protection," Mace stated.

Harry Sisson, a Democratic TikTok content creator, also accused Mace of "outright bigotry and bullying."

As a victim of abuse and an advocate for other women abused by men, four words for you: Over My Dead Body.

Rep. Dean Phillips, D-Minn., characterized Mace's attempt to prohibit McBride from using the women's restroom as "pathetic."

"What are you scared of, Nancy?" he asked.

Mace replied, "I don't want people flaunting their genitals in our locker room."

Phillips inquired, "Why should we deny our fellow citizens the right to use the toilet that corresponds with their gender identity?"

""Although you may not agree with it, I understand. However, it's still common sense, and banning it goes against American values. So, let's be civil and accept one another, patriots," he said."

But Mace refused to back down.

"Having experienced abuse, I understand women's vulnerability; and I will oppose anyone who harms us or hinders our progress," she stated.

David Weigel, a Semafor politics reporter, noted that Mace's stance on the Equality Act represents a "shift" to the right, as she previously supported a Republican alternative to the Democrat-backed bill that would have added sexual orientation and gender identity language to federal anti-discrimination law.

The "Fairness for All Act" proposed by the GOP would have granted civil rights protections to gay and transgender individuals, except for religious institutions, nonprofit organizations, and certain individuals.

"In 2021, Mace told the Washington Examiner that he strongly supports LGBTQ rights and equality, stating that discrimination against anyone is unacceptable."

She went on to say gender issues are not "black-and-white."

At the time, Mace stated that religious liberty, the First Amendment, gay rights, and transgender equality can all be compatible. As a constitutionalist, he emphasized the importance of ensuring that anti-discrimination laws do not infringe upon First Amendment rights or religious freedom.

"She stated that she has friends and family who identify as LGBTQ and emphasized the importance of understanding their experiences and feelings. She also mentioned that her exposure to gay, lesbian, and transgender individuals has influenced her perspective on the matter."

Planet Chronicle Digital's Elizabeth Elkind contributed to this report.