Speaker Mike Johnson talks to reporters about his new bathroom policy that would make incoming Rep. Sarah McBride (D-DE), a transgender woman, use the men's bathroom. REPORTER: Can you talk about the policy that you just issued?

Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) announced Wednesday that transgender women are not permitted to use bathrooms in the Capitol that match their gender identity, taking a stance on the hot-button issue that has overtaken the Capitol in recent days.

The rule change is announced about two weeks after Democrat Sarah McBride of Delaware became the first openly transgender individual elected to Congress.

House Speaker Mike Johnson said Wednesday he supports restricting “single-sex facilities” in the Capitol, including restrooms, to “individuals of that biological sex”— which would effectively ban the first transgender congresswoman from using women’s bathrooms in the next Congress.

It is important to note that each Member office has its own private restroom, and unisex restrooms are available throughout the Capitol.” Contention surrounding restrooms on the Capitol grounds erupted after Rep.

The issue of trans people and restrooms blew up on Capitol Hill this week. Sarah McBride became the first trans person elected to the US House earlier this month. The Delaware lawmaker will take office in