Rep. Nancy Mace, R-S.C., made headlines during a recent House hearing when she challenged the CEO of a leftist civil rights group on her definition of what constitutes a woman. The exchange between Mace and Leadership Conference on Civil and Human Rights CEO Maya Wiley quickly went viral on social media, sparking a heated debate on gender identity and women’s safety.
During the hearing titled “Standing up for the Rule of Law: Ending Illegal Racial Discrimination and Protecting Men and Women in U.S. Employment Practices,” Mace questioned Wiley on her definition of a woman. Wiley responded by stating, “A woman is a person who says she is,” prompting Mace to push back and assert that “biological women are real women.”
Mace went on to share a personal anecdote about her 14-year-old daughter being approached by a biological male in a miniskirt and lace bralette while shopping for her birthday. The congresswoman expressed her concerns about allowing men into women’s private spaces, citing her own experience as a survivor of rape.
The heated exchange between Mace and Wiley drew strong reactions on social media, with many commentators criticizing Wiley’s stance on gender identity. The incident also raised questions about the broader implications of redefining what it means to be a woman and the potential risks it poses to women and girls.
As the debate continues to unfold, the clash between Mace and Wiley serves as a stark reminder of the ongoing tensions surrounding gender identity and women’s rights. The viral nature of the exchange underscores the importance of addressing these complex issues with sensitivity and respect for all perspectives.