News Releases

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) strongly supports Congresswoman-elect Sarah McBride as she prepares to serve in the 119th Congress. Her steadfast focus on addressing the challenges facing Delaware families - such as rising costs and economic insecurity - reflects the values of service and advocacy that guide the social work profession.

McBride will be the first openly transgender person to serve in the U.S. Congress. Speaker of the House Mike Johnson on Wednesday issued a rule banning people who are transgender from using single-sex bathrooms that match their gender identity.

The move was done in response to McBride's election, but in recent years the Republican party has repeatedly attacked the rights of people who are transgender in a culture war. Currently, 14 states have laws that ban people who are transgender from using bathrooms that match their gender identify, according to the Human Rights Campaign.

NASW unequivocally denounces discrimination in all forms, including the targeting of individuals who are transgender. Efforts to distract from meaningful policymaking by focusing on identity are counterproductive and undermine the principles of equity and fairness that should define our democracy.

The NASW Political Action for Candidate Election (NASW-PACE) endorsed McBride. McBride’s historic election represents a powerful step toward greater inclusion in leadership. Her focus on working across the aisle to prioritize the needs of her constituents is a model for effective governance. We share her belief that every member of Congress should respect and value the qualities that earned their colleagues the trust of voters.

As a long-standing advocate for equality and social justice, NASW is proud to stand with Sarah McBride. We will continue to support policies and leaders that promote human dignity, challenge discrimination, and advance the well-being of all people.