Speaker Mike Johnson Sets Bathroom Rules for Capitol: 'Women Deserve Women's Only Spaces'

For the first time in Congressional history, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson has implemented clear guidelines regarding bathroom use in the Capitol.

On Wednesday, Johnson issued a statement clarifying that female facilities at the U.S. Capitol would be exclusively for women.

“All single-sex facilities in the Capitol and House Office Buildings — such as restrooms, changing rooms, and locker rooms — are reserved for individuals of that biological sex,” Johnson’s directive stated.

He further explained: “It’s important to note that each Member office has its own private restroom, and unisex restrooms are available throughout the Capitol.”

To emphasize his stance, Johnson added: “Women deserve women’s only spaces.”

This announcement follows rising tensions in Congress, particularly after the election of Delaware’s Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, the first transgender U.S. representative, previously known as Tim McBride.

McBride’s election has already sparked strong reactions, including from South Carolina Republican Rep. Nancy Mace, who introduced a resolution addressing bathroom use shortly after the victory.

“McBride, a biological male, does not get a say in women’s private spaces,” Mace wrote on X earlier this week.

Speaking to reporters, Mace doubled down: “Sarah McBride doesn’t get a say. I mean, this is a biological man,” according to CNN.

She concluded firmly that McBride “does not belong in women’s spaces, women’s bathrooms, locker rooms, changing rooms, period, full stop.”

The issue of transgender rights has remained a contentious topic, particularly in the lead-up to President-elect Donald Trump’s decisive win on Nov. 5.

While Kamala Harris, the unsuccessful presidential candidate, largely avoided the subject, the debate over transgender policies became closely tied to Democratic platforms.

One of Trump’s most impactful campaign ads highlighted this contrast with a straightforward tagline:

“Kamala is for they/them,” the ad proclaimed, before concluding, “President Trump is for you.”