A progressive advocate argues that the dress code in the Senate unfairly targets transgender people.
An individual advocating for progressive causes raised concerns about whether the Senate’s requirement for business attire could be discriminatory towards transgender people.
Daniel Schulman, who serves as the policy director for Demand Progress, expressed his disagreement with the recently approved dress code resolution co-authored by Senators Joseph Manchin III (a Democrat from West Virginia) and Mitt Romney (a Republican from Utah) in a thread on X.
Mr. Schulman noted the phrase in the resolution that states “that business attire be worn on the floor of the Senate, which for men shall include a coat, tie, and slacks or other long pants.”
He termed it “a culture war resolution: ‘men’ must wear a coat, tie, and slacks.”
“Is there a specific dress code for transgender individuals mentioned in the resolution?” inquired Mr. Schulman. “Who has the authority to determine who qualifies as a man according to the resolution?”
Mr. Schulman also mentioned that it is applicable in the case of someone desiring to dress in drag.
The Senate has given its approval to a resolution on Wednesday that restores the dress code, following a lot of dissatisfaction with Majority Leader Charles E. Schumer for relaxing the clothing rules last month. This decision came after a strong negative reaction, with many pointing fingers at Sen. John Fetterman, a Pennsylvania Democrat, who regularly attends the Senate wearing a hoodie and oversized gym shorts.
This week, the resolution was passed to officially establish the requirement for senators and staff to wear formal business attire while in the Senate chamber.
Mr. Fetterman adhered to the dress code and chose not to enter the floor. Instead, he cast his vote from the entrance of the Democratic cloakroom located in the lower chamber.
