Over 100 protesters arrested during clashes with police in Georgia

In the United States, transgender rights activists conducted a bathroom sit-in protest near the office of House Speaker Mike Johnson on Capitol Hill. The protest was organized in response to a new policy that prohibits transgender individuals from using restrooms that correspond with their gender identity. Approximately 15 protesters were arrested for obstruction and disrupting the peace by occupying the restroom. This protest also highlighted the ongoing controversy surrounding recent legislative efforts by Representative Nancy Mace, who has been vocal in her stance against allowing trans individuals access to facilities that align with their gender identity. Activists claim that such policies infringe on the rights and dignity of transgender individuals, exacerbating the discrimination they already face. Chelsea Manning, a notable trans activist and whistleblower, was among those arrested during the protest and spoke out against what she called an attack on the community by lawmakers. The protest not only addressed the immediate bathroom policy but also the larger issue of social and legal recognition of transgender rights in the Capitol, especially as one of the first openly trans lawmakers, Sarah McBride, prepares to take office. The activists chanted slogans emphasizing their rights to bodily autonomy and respect, signaling a growing unrest among transgender communities towards legislative actions perceived to undermine their existence and rights. As the legislative landscape becomes more contentious, these activists underscore the importance of continued advocacy for transgender rights within governmental spheres.