Demonstrators arrested... Speaker Johnson’s office for protesting bathroom ban

[Jessica_Rose]

Demonstrators arrested outside Speaker Johnson's office for protesting bathroom ban

https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/demonstrators-arrested-outside-speaker-johnson-s-office-for-protesting-bathroom-ban/ar-AA1vlGmA?ocid=windirect&cvid=31138166f441412ab6e926c993a5d14b&ei=9

Story by Mariana Alfaro, Anna Liss-Roy (5 Dec 2024)

U.S. Capitol Police arrested approximately 15 people Thursday for protesting the bathroom ban instituted by House Speaker Mike Johnson (R-Louisiana) — which blocks any transgender individual from using a bathroom that aligns with their gender identity.

Among those arrested protesting were whistleblower Chelsea Manning, a former Army intelligence analyst and activist. In a statement, group co-founder Raquel Willis said the activists were demonstrating because "everyone deserves to use the restroom without fear of discrimination or violence. Trans folks are no different."

"We deserve dignity and respect and we will fight until we get it," Willis said. "In the 2024 election, trans folks were left to fend for ourselves after nearly $200 million of attack ads were disseminated across the United States... Democrats must rise up, filibuster, and block this bill."

Manning, in a statement, said she knows what it's like "to feel pushed aside and erased."

"But I also know the incredible power and resilience our community has," she said. "I'm not here as a leader or a spokesperson but simply as another member of my community who shows up unconditionally to support my siblings in this fight. I will stand beside them no matter what."