In Washington, the press often seems to focus on the reactions of Republicans more than the stories themselves, with many headlines centered around the familiar “Republicans pounce” narrative. This pattern resurfaced recently when members of the press quickly labeled Republican support for traditional bathroom etiquette as a new front in the culture wars.
Specifically, House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) declared that Congress would continue following the long-established rule of keeping men’s and women’s restrooms separate, stressing that all single-sex facilities in the Capitol should be reserved for individuals of the biological sex they were born with.
Nancy Mace defends biological sex alignment in public facilities
Johnson’s firm stance on the matter included the declaration, “A man is a man, and a woman is a woman. And a man cannot become a woman.” In a well-adjusted society, such an announcement might seem unnecessary or even puzzling. Anyone with a clear understanding of societal norms would wonder why it needed to be said at all.
Yet, Johnson’s remarks were prompted by the recent election of Delaware’s first openly transgender representative, Sarah McBride, a biological male who now serves in the U.S. House.
If McBride’s name rings a bell, particularly in relation to transgender bathroom debates, it’s for good reason. Back in 2016, McBride became widely known after posting a selfie in a North Carolina women’s restroom, following the state’s law that banned biological males from entering women’s facilities.
In response to McBride’s election, Representative Nancy Mace (R-S.C.) introduced a resolution last week that would prohibit House members and staff from using facilities that don’t align with their biological sex.
Mace, a rape survivor, explained that her proposal was aimed at McBride, who, as a Congress member, would have access to private and unisex restrooms across the Capitol.
The election of McBride raised questions about the inclusion of males in women’s spaces, prompting Republicans to reaffirm their commitment to maintaining the status quo rather than seeking new, untested accommodations.
However, in doing so, Republicans have been vilified in the press, accused of being reactionary and small-minded for sticking with the traditional norms. The New York Times reported that McBride, who was aware of the potential for backlash from right-wing Republicans, was taken aback by the attacks before her official swearing-in.
The Washington Post framed the Republican stance as a move to “police” transgender bathroom use, claiming that it could have far-reaching consequences for D.C. schools and government buildings.
Terms like “police” and “front lines” were used to describe Republicans simply holding to established standards. While this controversy may seem trivial to some, it’s important to recognize that Republicans are not the ones who pushed society to this point. The issue arises because society is now questioning norms that were once unquestioned.
As Tim Carney of the Washington Examiner pointed out, a normal society wouldn’t have to legislate bathroom use because gender distinctions are universally accepted. Challenging the fundamental differences between male and female has led to a breakdown in societal norms, both large and small.
Mace has strongly embraced her position on this issue, stating she would not accept policies that allow men, particularly those who are biologically male, to access women’s locker rooms. Her firm stance has made her a vocal leader in this ongoing debate.
National Review, where I also contribute, published a piece highlighting Speaker Johnson’s announcement, confirming that men would be prohibited from women’s bathrooms on Capitol Hill.
In response, Jon Ralston of the Nevada Independent criticized this stance, dismissing it as part of a pointless culture war. Yet, his criticism, like others, misses the point.
The real issue is not that Republicans are fueling division, but rather that the demand for biological males to use women’s facilities is the true cultural disruption. When Republicans reject this, they are simply defending societal norms, not instigating conflict.
