Rep. Nancy Mace’s 2022 Pro-Marriage Equality Stance Confirmed Amid Evolving LGBTQ+ Positions

A 2022 social media post by U.S. Representative Nancy Mace expressing support for same-sex marriage has resurfaced amid growing scrutiny of the South Carolina Republican’s shifting positions on LGBTQ+ rights.

The post in question, made on her official X (formerly Twitter) account following the House passage of the Respect for Marriage Act, stated: “We just passed the Respect for Marriage Act out of the House. I’m a big fan of marriage, having done it a few times. And if gay couples want to be as happily or miserably married as straight couples, more power to them. Trust me on this.”

Verification confirms the post is authentic and remains visible on Mace’s account as of this writing. The message aligns with her official stance at that time, when she voted in favor of the legislation that required all states to recognize same-sex marriages performed elsewhere and federally recognized same-sex marriage.

In a press release accompanying her 2022 vote, Mace stated: “The right to marry whoever you love regardless of the color of your skin or orientation shouldn’t be controversial. Our nation was built on the notion of individual liberty. This vote marks another step forward in the American people’s constant fight for freedom.”

The renewed attention to Mace’s past support for marriage equality comes as critics highlight what appears to be a significant evolution in her positions on LGBTQ+ issues over the past three years. The congresswoman, who launched a campaign for South Carolina governor in 2025, has moved from describing herself as pro-LGBTQ+ rights in 2021 to advocating for more restrictive policies.

Most recently, on October 28, 2025, Mace posted “Adam and Eve, not Adam and Steve” on her verified X account – a slogan commonly associated with opposition to same-sex relationships.

This apparent reversal follows a pattern of increasingly conservative positions on LGBTQ+ issues. In a 2023 CBS News interview, Mace claimed to be “pro-transgender rights” but opposed gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors. While expressing support for children using different pronouns and gender identities, she drew the line at surgical interventions.

By 2024, her stance had hardened further. Mace began efforts to ban transgender women from using female restrooms in the U.S. Capitol building, and according to footage on her social media accounts, frequently used language considered derogatory toward transgender individuals.

As part of her gubernatorial campaign platform in 2025, Mace has advocated for policies that would prohibit “drag shows for children.” During a May 2025 court hearing, she reportedly referred to transgender people as “mentally ill.”

This evolving position on LGBTQ+ issues comes as Republican politicians nationwide navigate complex cultural debates, with some embracing more conservative stances on gender and sexuality issues. Political analysts suggest Mace’s shifting rhetoric may reflect calculations about appealing to conservative primary voters in South Carolina, a state with traditionally conservative social values.

The authenticity of the 2022 post supporting marriage equality provides a clear documentation of how dramatically her public positions have changed in a relatively short period, raising questions about political consistency versus strategic positioning as she seeks higher office.

Mace, currently serving her second term in the House of Representatives, has previously made headlines for other controversial claims, including assertions about government spending on “transgender animal tests” that fact-checkers have scrutinized.