Rep. Zoe Lofgren Calls Out Witness for Transgender Bigotry

Say what you will, but the real place for piping hot tea is the House Judiciary Committee.

During a hearing this week, U.S. Rep. Zoe Lofgren called out University of San Diego law professor Gail Heriot for her testimony on the Department of Education's guidance on fair treatment for transgender students.

Heriot likened questioning gender identity to a "fantasy"--akin to pretending to be "a Russian princess" or an "owl."

That didn't go over well with Lofgren.

"I found this rather offensive, and it say to me the witness doesn't really know anything and and probably has never met a transgender child who is going through in almost every case a very difficult experience," Lofgren, D-Calif., said.

When Heriot raised her voice and tried to interrupt Lofgren, the women started pointing fingers.

"I think you're a bigot, lady," Lofgren said. "I think you're an ignorant bigot."

Rep. Steve King tried to call Lofgren out of order, but she held onto her time.

"We allow witnesses to say offensive things, but I cannot allow that kind of bigotry to into the record unchallenged," she said.

The exchange was important for the committee, where Rep. David Cicilline's Equality Act--a bill that would provide sweeping federal civil rights protections to LGBTs--has been stalled for months.

Watch the clip below.