More than a dozen transgender activists, including the well-known Chelsea Manning, were arrested on Thursday after they entered a women’s restroom in the U.S. Capitol complex. This protest was in response to a new rule introduced by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) that mandates individuals to use facilities corresponding to their biological sex.
According to Capitol Police, approximately 15 protesters were taken into custody for violating local laws by obstructing and overcrowding within the Cannon House Office Building. Manning, a former Army intelligence analyst who leaked classified information to WikiLeaks in 2010, was among those arrested. Manning was originally sentenced to 35 years in prison but was released in 2017 after receiving a commutation from former President Barack Obama.
Manning, who was born as a male and originally known as Bradley Manning, underwent gender treatment in prison and now identifies as a woman.
During the protest, demonstrators held signs that read “Flush Bathroom Bigotry” and “Congress Stop Pissing On Our Rights,” targeting their message at Speaker Johnson and Rep. Nancy Mace (R-SC). Mace responded to the incident with a sharp comment about Manning’s past actions, highlighting the irony of the situation.
Recently, Mace introduced a resolution that aims to prevent transgender women from using female facilities within the Capitol, a move that has sparked this ongoing debate. Mace emphasized that biological men should not be allowed in women’s private spaces, insisting on the importance of protecting women’s rights.
Gabrielle Lipsky, a spokeswoman for Mace, stated that the protesters should have been apprehended in accordance with the new rules, arguing that progressive politics often pose a threat to women’s safety and rights.
With the impending arrival of Rep.-elect Sarah McBride (D-Del.), who will be the first openly transgender member of Congress, the discussion surrounding this issue is likely to continue. Mace has faced significant backlash and threats for her stance on limiting access to single-sex facilities, underscoring the intense emotions surrounding this topic.
At this time, the House speaker’s office has not commented on the incident.
