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Who is Matt McKee? GOP senator called 'disgusting' after asking trans pharmacist if she has a penis during legislative committee meeting

Dr Gwendolyn Paige Herzig declined to respond, but only after calling Matt McKee's question 'horrible' and 'highly inappropriate'

GARLAND COUNTY, ARKANSAS: Arkansas senator Matt McKee shocked the crowd by questioning a transgender pharmacist about her penis in front of a state legislative committee. The unpleasant moment occurred during a meeting to vote on an Arkansas Senate bill. 

The bill would impose a two-year waiting time before trans teens could receive therapy and prohibit youth with mental health-related conditions, including depression and eating disorders, from receiving gender-affirming care, according to Daily Mail.

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Who is Matt McKee?

The Republican is a representative for District 6 in the Arkansas State Senate. McKee took office on January 9, 2023 after beating Democrat Cortney McKee last November. His campaign focused on fighting for conservative values. Previously, on May 24, 2022, Matt Mckee defeated Bill Sample in the Republican primary for District 6. His current term expires on January 13, 2025.

What exactly happened?

Transgender woman Dr Gwendolyn Paige Herzig spoke out against the legislation throughout the session, squaring off against McKee, who was in support. During the meeting, Sen Matt McKee asked Herzig, “Are you telling us that you’re unfamiliar with the large body of medical evidence of the harm that has come upon people that have gone through these processes?” 

Herzig responded, “I’m familiar with the large body of evidence that shows that providing good affirming care saves lives.” McKee asked at this point, "You said that you're a trans woman?" to which Herzig replied, "A trans female, yes sir.” McKee then asked, “Do you have a penis?” Herzig declined to respond, but only after calling the question "horrible" and "highly inappropriate." 

Internet calls McKee 'disgusting'

The senator's remark was met with harsh criticism on social media. One user wrote on Twitter, “Why is the GOP so obsessed with genitalia, bathrooms, the sexuality of children, and the personal lives of others? It’s creepy and unwholesome.” “What has that got to do with anything? He is inappropriate and disgusting,” another added. Someone noted, “It’s because it’s divisive and politically expedient. Just like abortion, Republican strategists are using trans people as a wedge issue, and, sadly, it works. People who are easily frightened and manipulated jump right on board.”

"GQP's behavior is very telling as they're constantly in gaslight mode," another added. “Sometimes I think about going on vacation to the United States but then I see things like this and realize for the most part that country is just backward,” another user remarked. 

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.