I traveled around the country as an elite swimmer for over a decade and never imagined a world where men would be allowed in female-only bathrooms and locker rooms. I knew these separate spaces were meant for my privacy and safety. However, as I talked about my experience competing against a man in the pool, I realized how distorted our nation's understanding of sex has become.
It has progressed to a point where even groups that were once "pro-woman" have rejected basic concepts of femininity and womanhood. Earlier this year, the National Women’s Law Center, an organization that was founded to support women, filed a brief opposing my legal action against the NCAA, arguing that the definition of "woman" should include men.
When leading "pro-woman" groups spread falsehoods about basic biology and favor men over women, we need brave leaders who speak out against these changes. Recently, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson did just that, making headlines by acknowledging a simple truth that would have been unremarkable just a few years ago: Men are men, women are women, and men cannot become women. He emphasized that the government should safeguard the privacy, safety, and opportunities of both men and women.
For most of congressional history, this idea was well understood and rarely stated. However, in today's world where traditional definitions of sex have merged with shifting concepts of "gender identity," Speaker Johnson’s remarks had a significant impact.
His comments came during the orientation for newly elected members of Congress, including Sarah McBride, a man who identifies as a woman. I know Speaker Johnson, and he is principled and faithful. A few months ago, he organized a panel about Title IX that included me, former Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos, Rep. Virginia Foxx, and Heather Higgins from the Independent Women’s Forum. He clearly opposed the Biden administration’s attempts to redefine "sex" to include "gender identity" under Title IX.
Last week, Speaker Johnson once again took a stand on the vital issue of protecting women. He used his authority over Capitol facilities to ensure that single-sex facilities remain separated by biological sex, safeguarding women's spaces.
This is not an attack on Rep. McBride, as some media outlets have claimed. Speaker Johnson acknowledged that McBride is a duly elected member of Congress deserving of dignity and respect. However, Rep. McBride is also a victim of modern gender ideology, which asserts that men can become women and misleads those with gender dysphoria to think the issue is physical rather than psychological. The treatments available can lead to sterility, loss of sexual function, and other irreversible medical issues.
The Independent Women’s Forum has documented stories from de-transitioners who have undergone procedures that left lasting damage to their bodies after being advised to take puberty blockers and undergo surgeries. Many of these individuals now face intense regret and physical harm, but their warnings have been met with hostility from the left-leaning media and activists who criticize Speaker Johnson for supporting women.
We need to stop the madness of gender ideology for the sake of protecting the privacy and safety of women and girls, as well as the health of future generations. Every American who cares about the safety of their daughters, nieces, sisters, or cousins must speak out against the false narratives that confuse men and women. Speaker Johnson is advocating for women by taking a stand to keep men out of women's bathrooms in the House, and I hope his actions encourage leaders around the nation to follow suit.
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