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Congressional Hearing Adjourned After Transgender Lawmaker Misidentified
During a congressional hearing on Tuesday, tension escalated when Rep. Keith Self, R-Texas, mistakenly recognized Rep. Sarah McBride, D-Del., as “Mr. McBride.” Self, who presides over the House Foreign Affairs Committee’s Europe Subcommittee, faced immediate backlash from Rep. Bill Keating, D-Mass.
In response to Self’s introduction, McBride, who identifies as a transgender woman, corrected him respectfully, saying, “Thank you Madam Chair.” As McBride attempted to speak further, Keating interjected, asking Self to repeat his introduction of McBride. This moment marked the beginning of a heated exchange.
Conflict Over Recognition
Self acknowledged Keating’s request and reiterated his introduction of McBride using the incorrect title. Keating pressed, “What is that standard Mr. Chairman?” and insisted that proper recognition was essential. “Mr. Chairman you are out of order. Have you no decency?” Keating declared, expressing his disapproval of Self’s remarks. Self, undeterred, stated that the hearing would proceed.
Keating then issued a strong ultimatum: unless McBride was introduced correctly, he would not participate in the hearing. In response, Self abruptly adjourned the session.
Previous Instances and Reaction
This incident follows a prior occasion when Rep. Mary Miller, R-Ill., addressed McBride correctly as “the gentleman from Delaware.” Following Tuesday’s hearing, Miller voiced support for Self on social media, insisting on a biological interpretation of gender. She stated, “Enough with the lies. There are only TWO GENDERS: Male and Female!”
Republican Rep. Nancy Mace of South Carolina also chimed in, suggesting that individuals who do not conform to traditional gender roles are exhibiting mental illness, further igniting controversy surrounding the conversation on gender identity within Congress.
McBride’s Response
Amid the turmoil, McBride took to social media to reaffirm her commitment to her role, stating, “No matter how I’m treated by some colleagues, nothing diminishes my awe and gratitude at getting to represent Delaware in Congress. It is truly the honor and privilege of a lifetime.” Her remarks highlight her determination to work towards positive changes despite the challenges she faces.
This incident underscores ongoing debates in Congress regarding gender identity and recognition, reflecting broader societal discussions about acceptance and understanding in political spaces.
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