Rep. Nancy Mace Blames Transgender Lawmaker Sarah McBride for Bathroom Bill, Calls it ‘Not OK’ for Trans Women in Women’s Locker Rooms

Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC) introduced a new bathroom bill on Monday that seeks to prohibit transgender women from using female restrooms within the U.S. Capitol, citing her concerns over privacy and safety.

Mace has often spoken out about her survival of sexual assault. Getty Images

Mace openly stated that the election of transgender Rep.-elect Sarah McBride directly influenced the legislation. “I’m not going to stand for a man, someone with a penis, in the women’s locker room—that’s not OK,” Mace said in a statement on Tuesday.

The congresswoman, who is a survivor of sexual abuse, emphasised her personal experience as a motivating factor behind the bill. “I know how vulnerable women and girls are in private spaces, so I’m absolutely 100% going to stand in the way of any man who wants to be in a women’s restroom,” she added, referring to her struggles with PTSD stemming from her past trauma.

McBride is the first transgender person elected to Congress. Getty Images

McBride, who is set to become the first openly transgender member of Congress, quickly criticised the bill. She expressed disappointment over Mace’s stance, arguing that the legislation was discriminatory and harmful to transgender individuals. The controversy marks a significant moment in the ongoing debate over transgender rights and bathroom access in the United States.