Topline
Montana’s Republican-controlled House of Representatives overwhelmingly voted Wednesday to ban Rep. Zooey Zephyr (D)—the state’s first transgender lawmaker—from the House floor for the remainder of the legislative session, significantly escalating sanctions against her after she was silenced by the House for vocally opposing a bill restricting gender-affirming care for minors.
Montana state Rep. Zooey Zephyr (D) hoists a microphone into the air on Monday as her supporters … [+]
Key Facts
The vote to ban Zephyr—taken over her support of protesters inside the Montana Capitol on Monday—passed 68-32.
The move effectively bars Zephyr from entering the physical House chamber in any capacity—she is also banned from the gallery and anteroom, in addition to the floor.
Zephyr’s punishment fell short of the full expulsion Republican lawmakers were also considering, since she will still be allowed to vote remotely.
Zephyr decried penalties against her for alleged violations of “decorum” as a “nail in the coffin of democracy” during a five-minute address she was allowed to give to the House on Wednesday.
Key Background
Zephyr raised her microphone toward the gallery Monday as her supporters from the chanted: “Let her speak!” in a protest that interrupted House proceedings and led to the arrest of seven demonstrators. It also roiled top House Republicans, who said in a letter the act may have “violated the rules, collective rights, safety, dignity, integrity, or decorum of the House of Representatives,” which Zephyr tweeted Tuesday night. House leadership did not let Zephyr speak on the floor after she sharply criticized Republican support for legislation restricting gender-affirming care, saying lawmakers who backed the bill would have “blood” on their hands. Zephyr refused Republican calls to apologize over the comments, saying: “What they really want is silence as they take away the rights of trans and queer Montanans.”
Crucial Quote
“I hope the next time there’s an invocation when you bow your heads in prayer, you see the blood on your hands,” Zephyr said last week, which ignited the political firestorm.
What To Watch For
The legislative session is scheduled to run through May 6.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
Source: https://www.forbes.com/sites/nicholasreimann/2023/04/26/montana-house-bans-trans-lawmaker-from-floor-in-landslide-vote/