Proposed Federal Bathroom Ban Stirs Debate Over Trans Rights and Women’s Privacy

New legislation and Capitol policies highlight growing tensions between transgender rights and conservative efforts to limit access to gender-affirming spaces.

Rep. Nancy Mace introduced a bill to ban transgender individuals from using bathrooms that align with their gender identity on all federal property, expanding on a new Capitol policy restricting such access.
House Speaker Mike Johnson announced a Capitol rule reserving single-sex facilities for individuals based on 'biological sex,' drawing criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and raising enforcement questions.
Supporters of the restrictions, including Mace and public figures like J.K. Rowling, argue the measures protect women’s privacy and safety, though studies show no evidence linking trans-inclusive policies to increased risks in bathrooms.
Critics warn that these policies could lead to widespread discrimination and harassment of transgender individuals, with experts highlighting the potential for private citizens to act as enforcers of such bans.
Legal experts suggest the proposed federal ban could face challenges under recent Supreme Court precedents, which recognize gender identity discrimination as unconstitutional sex discrimination.