Chaos broke out during a House hearing on Tuesday after a Republican committee chair addressed Rep. Sarah McBride (D-DE), the first openly transgender lawmaker elected to Congress, as a man, and shut down the hearing altogether when confronted over it, The New York Times reported.
"The Europe Subcommittee of the House Foreign Affairs panel was in the middle of a hearing on arms control and U.S. assistance to Europe when its chairman, Representative Keith Self of Texas, introduced his colleague by calling her 'Mr. McBride,'" reported Annie Karni. "Ms. McBride, who entered Congress knowing she would present a unique target for Republicans who have politicized and attacked transgender people, has generally chosen to let such moments slide. On Tuesday, she briefly registered her displeasure by returning Mr. Self’s slight, responding, 'Thank you, Madam Chair,' before proceeding with her remarks."
While McBride tried to leave it at this, Rep. Bill Keating (D-MA) then spoke up on her behalf in outrage, the report continued.
ALSO READ:'Absolutely unconscionable': Ex-Republican demands Trump removed from office after fight
“Mr. Chairman, you are out of order,” said Keating. “Mr. Chairman, have you no decency? I mean, I’ve come to know you a little bit. But this is not decent.”
He then demanded, “You will not continue [this hearing] with me unless you introduce a duly elected representative the right way,” after which Self adjourned the session.
He later justified his behavior on social media by writing, “It is the policy of the United States to recognize two sexes, male and female.”
McBride identifies as female.
Republicans, emboldened by their belief that President Donald Trump's attacks on transgender rights in the 2024 campaign were effective, have moved to crack down on what they call "gender ideology," mandating Capitol Hill restrooms be used by sex assigned at birth. Trump has also signed orders declaring there are two sexes that cannot be altered after birth.
Some observers have noted the literal terms of the order could accidentally declare all Americans female — and imposing similar rules on gendered sports leagues at colleges and universities receiving federal funding, which is currently being challenged in court.