Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., has sparked controversy with her resolution to prevent men who identify as female from using women's restrooms on Capitol Hill. The resolution, filed on Monday, aims to restrict individuals to using facilities corresponding to their biological sex. This move coincides with the upcoming arrival of Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, D-Del., the first openly transgender lawmaker in Congress.
McBride criticized Mace's resolution as a distraction from addressing critical issues such as housing and healthcare costs. Mace defended her stance, asserting that biological men should not have access to women's private spaces.
The clash between Mace and her critics escalated online, with accusations of bigotry and bullying directed at the congresswoman. Mace reiterated her commitment to protecting women's rights and safety, citing her personal experience as a victim of abuse.
While Mace's position marks a shift to the right, she previously expressed support for LGBTQ rights and equality. In 2021, she endorsed the GOP's 'Fairness for All Act,' which aimed to extend civil rights protections to gay and transgender individuals while safeguarding religious freedoms.
Mace emphasized the complexity of gender issues, advocating for a balance between anti-discrimination laws and constitutional rights. She highlighted her interactions with LGBTQ individuals as influential in shaping her perspective on these matters.
