U.S. Representative Nancy Mace once described herself as an LGBTQ-friendly Republican. Since then, she has become one of the most vocal opponents of transgender rights in Congress, and now repeats a common refrain used by opponents of same-sex marriage on social media:
“It’s Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve,” Mace wrote. ×repeating long-used slogans that ridicule homosexual relationships as “abnormal” and frame homosexuality as unbiblical. The South Carolina congressman is currently running for governor.
A community note was soon posted under Mace’s post, noting that Mace had twice voted in favor of the Respect for Marriage Act. Once when it first passed, and once when the House approved the Senate’s version. The 2022 law requires both the federal and state governments to recognize same-sex marriages that take place in states where same-sex marriage is legal.
The law, signed by former President Joe Biden, serves as a safeguard in case the U.S. Supreme Court overturns the 2015 ruling. Obergefell v. Hodges The ruling invalidates same-sex marriage bans currently in place in 32 states.
Mace’s apparent about-face follows similar changes on transgender rights that have garnered national attention, particularly her push to ban transgender women, including Rep. Sarah McBride, from women’s facilities in the U.S. Capitol and on federal land.
Mace, who was first elected from a wealthy battleground district in the Charleston suburbs and narrowly defeated a Democratic incumbent, has moved to the right on several issues. Redistricting in 2022 added more rural and conservative areas to her district, making it even more vulnerable to major challenges.
In an article dated November 24, 2024, X post In a screenshot that has since surfaced online, one user responded to Mace’s claim that gay rights have nothing to do with transgender bathroom and locker room access:[Y]As soon as gay rights become socially advantageous, you will be against gay rights. ”
“Actually, I have voted twice for same-sex marriage,” Mace said at the time, referring to the fact that she had voted twice for the Respect for Marriage Act.
Another X user shared a screenshot of the conversation and replied to Mace’s latest post, saying, “It took less than a year lol.” A number of voices criticized the lawmaker’s rapid change in tone regarding same-sex marriage.
I couldn’t do it for a year (lol) pic.twitter.com/GgLlNOavs8
— Lionel Hutz, Tesla Attorney General (@Gimply32) October 29, 2025
In response to inquiries from defender“As the loudest and proudest transphobe in Congress, Nancy Mace will never stop pointing out the fact that there are only two genders,” Mace campaign spokeswoman Piper Gifford said.
defender Mace’s campaign also did not respond to questions about what has changed since he voted for marriage equality in 2022 and how that record matches his recent statements.
in a statement to metro weeklyGLAAD, an LGBTQ media advocacy group, said polls show more than two-thirds of Americans continue to support same-sex marriage, despite a slight decline in support among Republicans.
Mace’s recent and politically expedient changes underscore a broader point. Many LGBTQ advocates remain skeptical of conservatives who claim to be allies or supporters of marriage equality.
with justice samuel alito amy coney barrett indicated that the Supreme Court would not reconsider its decision Obergefell Many LGBTQ advocates remain wary in the wake of the ruling. Some point out that several judges were once called upon to convene. Roe vs. Wade This was an important precedent during confirmation hearings, but it was later overturned.
Trump supporters — including several gay republican groups — has long accused LGBTQ advocates and Democrats of fear-mongering over same-sex marriage, claiming: Obergefell There is no risk that the decision will be overturned. This argument was echoed in a recent op-ed by former Trump adviser and CNN commentator David Urban.
But Mr. Mace’s apparent evolution on the issue has led several Republican-led state legislatures to introduce bills asking the Supreme Court to overturn the ruling. Obergefell This decision appears to undermine those claims.
“Nancy Mace’s desperation for attention is only surpassed by her willingness to hurt others in order to try to advance her own career,” said HRC spokeswoman Delphine Renaud. metro weekly By email. “She is ashamed of herself, and no one is asking her for guidance on this or any other topic.”
Source: Metro Weekly – www.metroweekly.com
