Delaware has ignited a political firestorm this month by electing the first transgender woman to Congress, sparking a heated debate over access to women’s bathrooms on Capitol Hill. The newly elected Representative Sarah McBride, a Democratic state senator from Claymont, Delaware, defeated retired state trooper John Whalen III by a notable 58%-42% margin.

Meet Sarah McBride

McBride, who previously made headlines for her advocacy work, is stepping into the shoes of Rep. Lisa Blunt-Rochester, who recently vacated her post to assume a Senate seat previously held by Tom Carper. The election has come with both celebration and controversy, primarily stemming from the ongoing discussion regarding transgender rights and the use of gender-specific facilities.

Republican Backlash

In the wake of McBride’s election, Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., has emerged as a prominent critic of allowing McBride to use women’s bathrooms in Congress. Citing her belief that McBride, who is a transgender woman, was born biologically male, Mace has drafted a resolution—referred to as H.R. 1579—which would prohibit members of the House from using facilities that do not correspond to their biological sex.

Mace reported that her stance has led to her receiving death threats, claiming that she is the one being “unfairly targeted.” “I’m not backing down,” she insisted during a press conference. As of Tuesday, the resolution has been referred to the House Administration Committee, chaired by Rep. Bryan Steil, but no vote has taken place as yet.

Support and Opposition

Other congressional Republicans, including Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., have voiced support for Mace’s resolution, going as far as to label McBride as “mentally ill.” Greene asserted that McBride, formerly known as Tim McBride, should not be allowed in women’s restrooms. She emphasized the urgency of creating more binding legislation around this issue, arguing that Mace’s resolution merely serves as a statement rather than enforceable policy.

By contrast, House Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., sought to distance himself from the ongoing debate, highlighting the importance of treating all members with dignity and respect. “We welcome all new members who are duly elected representatives of the people,” Johnson stated, insisting that Congress should engage in respectful discourse regarding gender identity.

Comparisons and Concerns

The discussions around McBride’s election have led to comparisons with controversies surrounding transgender athletes in competitive sports. Greene pointed to the experiences of student-athletes, citing instances where biological males have outperformed female athletes, invoking anecdotes related to competitive fairness and safety.

Former University of Kentucky swimmer Riley Gaines, who has also been vocal about her opposition to transgender women competing against biological females, criticized McBride’s response to the backlash she faces, asserting that “he’s still a man.” Within these tumultuous discussions, Mace has indicated that her resolution is rooted in her own experiences as a rape survivor, underscoring her commitment to protecting women’s spaces.

Defending Women’s Rights

Mace has articulated her view that the resolution is a necessary measure to safeguard the rights of women and girls within Congress. “Biological men shouldn’t be in women’s private spaces, period, end of story,” she asserted. In a powerful rebuttal to critics, Representative Robert Garcia, D-Calif., expressed his disapproval of Mace’s resolution, stating he felt “sick to his stomach” over its implications.

McBride’s Response

Amid the uproar, Sarah McBride issued a statement condemning the actions of Republican lawmakers, framing the controversy as a distraction from pressing national issues. “Delawareans sent me here to make the American dream more affordable and accessible, and that’s what I’m focused on,” she remarked, indicating her intention to champion substantive policies rather than engage in divisive cultural battles.