Chasten Buttigieg, the husband of Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg, is the latest figure to criticize Rep. Nancy Mace.
Since last week, Mace (R-SC) has embarked on a crusade to ban trans people from single-sex restrooms matching their gender. The imminent arrival of Democratic Rep. Sarah McBride (D-DE), who is trans, to Congress prompted Mace’s action.
Mace’s protests provoked House Speaker Mike Johnson to clarify that single-sex restrooms on Capitol Hill will be reserved for those of the relative biological sex. However, Mace has continued to post hundreds of tweets on the issue and introduce legislation demanding similar bathroom bans in federal buildings nationwide.
Mace previously voiced support for some trans rights
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It’s worth noting that Mace’s hardline stance stands in contrast to her beliefs from as recently as 2021. Back then, she posted a supportive Pride message to the LGBTQ+ community.
In an interview with the Washington Examiner in March 2021, Mace said, “I strongly support LGBTQ rights and equality. No one should be discriminated against … having been around gay, lesbian, and transgender people has informed my opinion over my lifetime.”
Now, a new CNN reports says that as recently as 2023 Mace called herself “pro-transgender rights”. She also voiced support for kids exploring their gender identity.
“If they wanna take on a different pronoun or a different gender identity or grow their hair out, or wear a dress or wear pants, or do those things as a minor — those are all things that I think most people would support. Be who you want to be, but don’t make permanent changes as a child,” she said.
“They may decide as an adult, ‘Hey, instead of being Johnny, I want to be Jill’ — that’s OK,” she said. “But let them figure that out and make that decision when they can consent.”
Her comments are in stark contrast to her beliefs now. She has repeatedly labeled trans people as “mentally ill” and continued to campaign for “No balls in our stalls.”
No matter where, no matter what, I’m going to stand my ground. No balls in our stalls.#HoldTheLine pic.twitter.com/QusXEGvy2F
— Nancy Mace (@NancyMace) November 21, 2024
Chasten Butttigieg
Responding to news of Mace’s shift in her attitude towards trans people, Chasten Buttigieg alleged she’s chasing MAGA clout. He called it pure “theater.”
“Because it’s theater. Theater = clicks, donations, attention, and power. Their system rewards bad behavior. It makes the news, makes you powerful, makes you money, and makes you relevant. Why would she focus on real problems? Chasing a made-up one is a lot better for her new brand.”
Because it's theater. Theater = clicks, donations, attention, and power. Their system rewards bad behavior. It makes the news, makes you powerful, makes you money, and makes you relevant. Why would she focus on real problems? Chasing a made-up one is a lot better for her new… https://t.co/a1BkP6YeMA
— Chasten Glezman Buttigieg (@Chasten) November 25, 2024
Sarah McBride: “An attempt to misdirect”
The congresswoman at the center of the restroom storm, Sarah McBride, has said she will abide by Speaker Johnson’s ruling. She says attempts by some in Congress to make an issue of her gender is a distraction from the issues facing the majority of Americans
McBride repeated this view in an interview with CBS on Sunday. McBride said, “I think we are all united that attempts to attack a vulnerable community are not only mean-spirited but really an attempt to misdirect. Because every single time we hear the incoming administration or Republicans in Congress talk about any vulnerable group in this country, we have to be clear that it is an attempt to distract.
“Every single time we hear them say the word ‘trans’, look at what they’re doing with their right hand. Look at what they’re doing to pick the pocket of American workers, to fleece seniors by privatizing social security and Medicare. Look at what they’re doing, undermining workers.”
Surprisingly, one queer voice on the right has also voiced criticism of Mace. Disgraced former House Rep. George Santos said Mace needs to take a break from X.
“She’s giving unhinged vibes with over 300 posts in the last week about the Bathroom situation that was addressed and resolved by Speaker Johnson! She wants attention and y’all are giving it to her as she spirals out of control.”
Santos went on to say he agrees with Mace, but “I don’t agree with the manic meltdown…”
When George Santos calls you an unhinged, out of control attention addict. pic.twitter.com/p8YUoB18sW
— Ron Filipkowski (@RonFilipkowski) November 25, 2024
Related
Marjorie Taylor Greene vows to also fight to ban McBride from women’s facilities, saying, “I’m sick of this sh*t.”
If she doesn’t scare you, you’re not paying attention
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