In recent weeks, many in the liberal media falsely accused House Speaker Paul Ryan (R-Wis.) of sexism for supposedly implementing an old-fashioned dress code for women who visit the Speaker’s lobby. However, as The Blaze previously reported, the dress code, which also requires men to wear formal clothing, has been in effect for more than a century.
On Thursday, Ryan acknowledged “there was an issue about [the] dress code” and although it makes sense for women to wear formal clothing, there’s no reason they should be prevented from wearing sleeveless dresses or open-toed shoes, both of which were forbidden under the longstanding rules.
“We will be working with the sergeant-at-arms to ensure the enforcement of appropriate attire is updated,” Ryan said.
On Friday, House Democratic Party women wore sleeveless clothing to push for their “right to ‘bare’ arms,” with many liberals again erroneously stating or suggesting Republicans were somehow to blame for the policy and ignoring Ryan’s pledge to change the dress code.
As numerous pundits and members of the public noted on social media, however, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-Calif.) is the one deserving of criticism. Despite having had the opportunity to change the rule from 2007 to 2011, when she served as the first female speaker of the House, Pelosi did nothing to modernize the rule.
“Any of them ask why @NancyPelosi refused to allow them to do this while she was Speaker?” Daily Caller editor Derek Hunter asked.
Any of them ask why @NancyPelosi refused to allow them to do this while she was Speaker? https://t.co/FzQzeJF61b
— Derek Hunter (@derekahunter) July 14, 2017
“Paul Ryan lifts the yolk of Nancy Pelosi's oppression! Also, voters are electing children,” wrote Grant Bosse, an editor for the New Hampshire Union Leader.
Paul Ryan lifts the yolk of Nancy Pelosi's oppression!
Also, voters are electing children.
— Grant Bosse (@grantbosse) July 14, 2017
“Nancy was a misogynist and wouldn't let women wear armless outfits. Ryan is enlightened. Another reason for women to vote Republican,” one Twitter user wrote.
Nancy was a misogynist and wouldn't let women wear armless outfits. Ryan is enlightened. Another reason for wom n to vote Republican.
— Jim Battin (@JimBattin) July 15, 2017
“Dang shame you didn't bother to do it during all those years that you were the Speaker, eh, Mrs. Pelosi?” another user wrote.
Dang shame you didn't bother to do it during all those years that you were the Speaker, eh, Mrs. Pelosi?
— MrSimmonsSr (@MrSimmonsSr) July 13, 2017
The House dress code has not yet been officially announced, according to a report by The Hill.
Justin Haskins
