Rep. Gerry Connolly has requested a formal inquiry into Rep. Nancy Mace’s use of a derogatory slur toward the transgender community during a House Oversight and Government Reform hearing on February 5. The Republican congresswoman’s remarks were made amid her ongoing controversial statements and attacks on the transgender community, as well as on fellow congresswoman Sarah McBride.
During the hearing, Mace asked a panel of experts whether it was in the best interest of American citizens to fund a $2 million program in Guatemala, which she described as funding “t****ies” in reference to gender-affirming surgeries. Her comments sparked immediate backlash from several members of the House, including Connolly, who expressed concern over Mace’s use of a term widely recognized as a slur within the LGBTQ+ and transgender communities.
“Does this advance the interest of American citizens — paying for t****ies in Guatemala to the tune of $2 million?” Mace asked the panel. She went on to criticize U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) programs, questioning whether such expenditures were beneficial to the American public.
Following Mace’s questioning, Connolly, a Democrat from Virginia, raised the issue of decorum, particularly the use of the derogatory term. “The gentlelady has used a phrase that is considered a slur in the LGBTQ community and the trans community,” Connolly said, addressing the committee chair, Rep. James Comer.
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Connolly sought to continue his point, but Mace interrupted him, which led to her repeating the slur three times. “I don’t really care,” Mace responded defiantly. “You want penises in women’s bathrooms and I’m not gonna have it. No, thank you. It’s disgusting.”
Connolly, visibly frustrated, continued: “To me, a slur is a slur. And here in the committee, a level of decorum requires us to try consciously to avoid slurs.” He emphasized that such language was unnecessary in a policy debate, saying, “We can debate policy discussion without offending human beings who are fellow citizens.”
Connolly then formally requested a parliamentary inquiry into whether Mace’s remarks violated the committee’s standards for decorum. “I would ask as a parliamentary inquiry whether the use of that phrase is not, in fact, a violation of the decorum rules,” he said, underscoring the importance of respectful dialogue in government proceedings.
Mace, however, rejected Connolly’s request, stating, “I’m not going to be counselled by a man over men and women’s spaces or men who have mental health issues dressing as women.”
Chairman Comer, who was overseeing the hearing, responded that he was not sufficiently informed about LGBTQ+ terminology or the specifics of anti-trans slurs and would “look into” the matter further. He did not make any immediate judgment about the appropriateness of Mace’s language.
The exchange quickly drew attention and condemnation from advocacy groups and LGBTQ+ rights organizations. Critics argue that Mace’s repeated use of the slur contributes to the harmful rhetoric surrounding transgender people, a community that already faces significant discrimination and marginalization.
Mace’s comments are part of a broader, ongoing culture war in the U.S. involving transgender rights. The congresswoman has previously drawn criticism for her remarks on trans issues, particularly her opposition to the inclusion of transgender women in women’s sports and her confrontations with trans advocates like McBride.
As a result of the hearing and the request for inquiry, calls for accountability have intensified. Advocates stress the importance of lawmakers using inclusive language when discussing vulnerable communities, particularly in official legislative settings. Connolly’s actions were widely praised by LGBTQ+ groups who argue that members of Congress should maintain a standard of respect and dignity when addressing all citizens, including transgender individuals.
The episode is a continuation of a broader national debate on the rights of transgender individuals, particularly in the realms of sports, healthcare, and social acceptance. While Mace’s remarks and the subsequent inquiry have ignited a political firestorm, they also underscore the ongoing cultural and political battles over transgender rights in the United States.
As of now, it remains unclear what actions will be taken in response to the parliamentary inquiry. However, the incident has sparked renewed conversations about the language used by elected officials when addressing sensitive issues surrounding the LGBTQ+ community. The outcome of this inquiry could set a precedent for how similar cases are handled in the future.
