A4TE Statement on Anti-Trans Restroom Rule on Capitol Hill

Washington, D.C. – Today, after Speaker of the House Mike Johnson announced a policy to ban trans people from Capitol Hill restrooms. Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE) Executive Director Rodrigo Heng-Lehtinen released the following statement: 
 
“We deserve to exist freely in public spaces and participate fully in every aspect of life. Denying trans people access to restrooms or changing rooms that align with our gender identity violates the fundamental democratic values that our society is built on.  
 
“A national bathroom ban would impact millions of Americans who rely on public services every day, from the post office to the VA, to meet essential needs. Thirty states and hundreds of municipalities already have laws allowing people to use restrooms that align with our authentic gender - without any increase in threats to safety or privacy.  
 
“Unfortunately, some politicians are using attacks on the trans community to distract from the real challenges facing Americans. “By targeting a vulnerable group and stripping away basic rights, House Republicans are engaging in divisive tactics that harm the well-being of our society. At a time when hard-working Americans are struggling to make ends meet, we need leaders focused on solutions - raising wages, lowering costs, and creating opportunities for all families to thrive. 

“Denying trans constituents the right to use federal facilities, including the offices of the people they elected, would, in effect, deny them the fundamental right to meet with their elected representatives and make their voices heard. Such wide-ranging restrictions that would apply broadly to all federally owned buildings also create significant barriers for trans individuals seeking to work in public service. Civil servants, like everyone else, deserve the ability to perform their jobs without fear or hardship.  
 
“Rep. Nancy Mace has introduced two discriminatory measures targeting restroom access for trans people. The first is a resolution in the House that would ban Capitol Hill staff and officials from using restrooms consistent with their gender identity. This resolution applies only to those working in the Capitol, excluding constituents and visitors. If passed by the House, it would take effect on the House side of the Capitol and impact all trans staff and officials, regardless of gender identity.  

“The second is a federal bill that seeks to impose a nationwide ban on trans people using restrooms aligned with their gender identity. This legislation would affect all federally owned buildings, federal territories, tribal lands, and federal property in every state. Unlike the resolution, the bill would require passage by both the House and Senate and would need to be signed into law. If enacted, it would institute a sweeping national restriction on restroom access for all trans individuals. 
 
“These attacks are designed to divide us - a selfish tactic that undermines the needs of the American people. Policies targeting transgender people do not enhance safety; instead, they unfairly single out a vulnerable community, putting them at greater risk simply for living their lives.  These bathroom bans invite discrimination into the U.S. Capitol, the people’s house, and it flies in the face of the values of the majority of Americans who support equality for trans people and want their representatives to stop the fearmongering and misinformation to move forward on the real issues impacting our lives.” 

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About A4TE 

Advocates for Trans Equality (A4TE) is an organization that fights for the legal and political rights of transgender people in the United States. Introduced in July 2024 after the Transgender Legal Defense & Education Fund and National Center for Trans Equality merged, A4TE is the largest trans-led advocacy organization in the U.S. and brings together experts, advocates, and communities to shift government and society toward an equitable future where trans people live joyful lives without barriers.