House Speaker Mike Johnson Addresses Gender Identity Debate Amid McBride Controversy
House Speaker Mike Johnson shared his perspective Tuesday on incoming Congresswoman Sarah McBride’s gender identity, stating, “A man is a man, and a woman is a woman, and a man cannot become a woman.” Johnson’s remarks followed a reporter’s question about McBride, a transgender woman, and her identity.
Initially, Johnson avoided directly answering, saying, “Look, I’m not going to get into this. We welcome all new members with open arms who are duly elected representatives of the people.” He emphasized the importance of dignity and respect for all, adding, “Congress has never had to address issues like restroom facilities and locker rooms before, and we will approach this in a deliberate manner with member consensus.”
Later in the day, Johnson clarified his stance during a press gaggle. “Let me be unequivocally clear: a man is a man, and a woman is a woman, and a man cannot become a woman. But I also believe we should treat everybody with dignity. These beliefs are not mutually exclusive.”
The discussion arose in connection with South Carolina Representative Nancy Mace’s proposal to ban lawmakers and staff from using single-sex facilities that do not align with their biological sex. Mace told Axios that Johnson had assured her the measure would be included in the House Rules.
Georgia Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene also voiced her support for Mace’s proposal, referring to McBride as “a man” in a video posted to X, formerly Twitter. During a closed-door Republican conference on Tuesday, Greene reportedly said she would not share a restroom with McBride. Two attendees told Axios that Johnson assured Greene she would not have to do so.
McBride, a Democrat representing Delaware, dismissed Mace’s resolution as a diversion. “This is a blatant attempt from far right-wing extremists to distract from the fact that they have no real solutions to what Americans are facing,” McBride said on Monday.
She criticized the focus on cultural issues, asserting, “We should be working to bring down the cost of housing, health care, and child care—not manufacturing culture wars. Delawareans sent me here to make the American dream more affordable and accessible, and that’s what I’m focused on.”
The debate highlights ongoing tensions in Congress over transgender rights and gender identity, an issue that continues to divide lawmakers along partisan lines.
