A congressional hearing intended to address immigration reform took an unexpected detour Thursday as Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker was confronted by Texas Representative Brandon Gill regarding a past social media post advocating for a “bathroom protest” against then-President Donald Trump.
The exchange began with Representative Gill directly asking Governor Pritzker, “Mr. Governor. Do you think biological men should be able to use women’s restrooms? It’s just a yes or no question.”
Pritzker initially attempted to deflect, stating, “I’m not sure why this has to do with immigration.”
Gill pressed on, referencing the specific post: “Everyone should use the other gender’s bathroom today. Use the women’s restroom.”
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When asked if he had ever used the woman’s bathroom, Pritzker responded, “Uh, not that I can recall ever.” Gill quickly countered, “You wanted everybody else to do it, but you didn’t.”
Governor Pritzker grew visibly frustrated, stating, “Sir, I, I’m not sure why we’re on a topic today.” Gill persisted, “I’m asking you, you’re advocating for men to use women’s restrooms, but you didn’t do it.”
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“I, I do not advocate that, no,” Pritzker asserted. However, Representative Gill immediately shot back, “Well, actually, you did. You said everyone should use the other gender’s bathroom today.”
The Texas Representative continued to press Pritzker on whether he regretted encouraging men to use women’s restrooms.
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Gill asked, “Did you ever consider that women don’t want them [men in their bathrooms]?”
Pritzker, visibly exasperated, responded, “You’re taking us on topics that have…So you’re admitting that this is just a political circus?”
The heated exchange underscored the highly polarized political climate, with a hearing on immigration momentarily sidetracked by a past statement from the Governor on a separate, culturally contentious issue.
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