Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene (R-GA) accused Rep.-elect Sarah McBride (D-DE), the first openly transgender member of Congress, of “physical assault” for using the bathroom corresponding to her gender. Greene made the inflammatory comments during an appearance on Steve Bannon’s War Room, where she repeatedly misgendered McBride and described her election as a threat to women.
Greene claimed during a House Republican conference meeting that Speaker Mike Johnson (R-LA) needed to take action against what she called the “war on women by mentally ill men pretending to be women.” She specifically demanded measures to prevent McBride from using women’s restrooms.
“What are we going to do to keep him from coming into our bathrooms?” Greene asked, misgendering McBride. She went on to insist that McBride’s use of the bathroom amounted to “an assault.” Greene elaborated on her position, saying, “I’m not kidding you. It is like a physical assault for a man to come in, charging into our private places, bathrooms, locker rooms, our gyms, places that are designated specifically for women only.”
These claims come despite numerous studies finding no evidence that transgender individuals pose an increased safety threat in public restrooms. Greene also revealed that Speaker Johnson intends to ban McBride from using women’s bathrooms, framing this as a necessary defense of women. “It’s time for men in this country to defend women,” Greene said, adding, “I am so fed up with it, Steve.”
In response to the remarks, McBride addressed the anti-trans rhetoric in a statement on X (formerly Twitter) Monday evening, calling for Congress to focus on substantive issues rather than culture wars. “Every day Americans go to work with people who have life journeys different than their own and engage with them respectfully,” McBride wrote.
“I hope members of Congress can muster that same kindness. We should be focused on bringing down the cost of housing, health care, and child care, not manufacturing culture wars.” McBride’s election to Congress has been celebrated as a historic moment for LGBTQ+ representation, but Greene’s remarks highlight ongoing challenges faced by transgender individuals in public life. As the new Congress convenes, tensions over issues of inclusion and equality are likely to remain in the spotlight.