Staff Reports
House Speaker Mike Johnson has officially turned the Capitol’s restrooms into what might be described as the ultimate “gender reveal” party, where only the biological sex of the individual counts. This bold move puts an end to any debate over bathroom use inside Congress, a brewing issue that seems to embody the confusion of today’s society. No more swipes of the card for biological males in female bathrooms, thank you very much. Johnson’s decision ensures that all single-sex bathrooms and locker rooms are, in fact, just that—single-sex as in biologically designated.
The timing of this policy couldn’t be more compelling, coming on the heels of Rep. Nancy Mace’s resolution that specifically targets the use of women’s restrooms by newly minted Rep.-elect Sarah McBride, who brands herself as the first transgender member of Congress. Though some might suggest this is a case of picking on the new kid, it isn’t about bullying; it’s about definitions. The Capitol building has private restrooms and unisex options to accommodate those who do not fit neatly into the old-school male-female dichotomy. Yet, here they are, clinging to the idea that all bathrooms should be fair game—a recipe for chaos in the hallowed halls of government.
Johnson issues policy banning transgender individuals from single-sex bathrooms in Capitol https://t.co/ztILxB6CAu
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) November 21, 2024
As for enforcement, that’s where things get a little murky. The House sergeant-at-arms will be tasked with the responsibility of ensuring compliance—if they’re able to figure out how to do that without turning into bathroom bouncers. Johnson assures the public that this policy will be enforced, even if the specifics aren’t entirely fleshed out. It’s reassuring to know that what was once an “unwritten” rule is now officially bestowed upon the Capitol in all its bureaucratic glory.
What happens to violators? The uncertainty looms. While it’s not precisely carting off offenders to the dungeon, leadership in the past has been known to impose significant fines for rule-breakers—think $5,000 for a metal detector snub, and it suddenly makes that cheat-code bathroom escapade seem a bit more daunting. There’s an irony in fining Congress members for not adhering to the rules after an insurrection, yet Congress can’t seem to agree on basic definitions of gender.
With this all being said, one can only imagine how entertaining it would be to watch Congress members navigate their own policies when they have to choose between bathroom relief and proximity to their office. High stakes, low drama; it’s compelling television awaiting its debut on C-SPAN. In a world teeming with ambiguity, at least the Capitol has decided to draw its lines with unmistakable clarity. Who knew bathroom politics would turn into such a spectacle? The fight for clarity in Congress is just another round in the long game of political tennis, with Republicans currently serving up aces.
