Washington, D.C., Nov 22 (V7N) – Transgender individuals will no longer be permitted to use women's restrooms, changing rooms, or locker rooms on Capitol Hill or within the U.S. Congress building. The announcement was made by House Speaker Mike Johnson and reported by ABC News on Thursday.

Speaker Johnson, a Republican from Louisiana, stated that the new policy is intended to ensure that spaces designated for women are reserved exclusively for women. "Congress has never had to address such an issue before," Johnson remarked, adding that the decision was reached with input from House members.

This new restriction is widely seen as targeting Sarah McBride, the first openly transgender member of the U.S. House of Representatives, who will be sworn in six weeks from now. McBride, a Democrat from Delaware, is set to make history upon taking office.

In response to the policy, McBride expressed her commitment to her constituents and her intent to focus on her legislative duties rather than the controversy surrounding restroom access. "I am not here to fight for bathrooms. I am here to fight for the people of Delaware. Like all other members, I will follow the rules laid out by Speaker Johnson, even if I do not agree with them," McBride said.

This policy adds to the growing debate over transgender rights in the United States, with Republican-led legislative bodies frequently proposing restrictions on access to gender-affirming spaces. Supporters of such measures often cite privacy and safety concerns, while opponents argue that they are discriminatory and undermine the dignity and rights of transgender individuals.

As McBride prepares to begin her tenure, the rule signals a contentious start to her time in Congress, highlighting the ongoing cultural and political divides on LGBTQ+ issues in the U.S.

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