Speaker Johnson Issues Transgender Policy Regarding Capitol Bathrooms

Johnson said each member office has its own private restroom and unisex restrooms are available throughout the Capitol.

House Speaker Mike Johnson announced that transgender women are not allowed to use bathrooms in the Capitol that match their gender identity.

The policy will also apply to bathrooms in House office buildings, changing rooms and locker rooms.

Johnson said each member office has its own private restroom and unisex restrooms are available throughout the Capitol. However, the single-sex facilities are reserved for individuals of that biological sex.

The Speaker has “general control” of facilities in the chamber. That means Johnson has the authority to issue the policy.

The new rule comes just days after Rep. Nancy Mace introduced a bill to ban transgender women from facilities on Capitol Hill that match their gender identity.

It was a response to the election earlier this month of Rep-elect Sarah McBride who will be the first openly transgender person in Congress.