Montana Republicans continued to bar Rep. Zooey Zephyr from debate for another two weeks, and her supporters halted House meetings Monday and chanted “Let her speak!” in the gallery before they are escorted.
Zephyr protested Republicans refusing to speak on her request to speak on a proposal that would limit when children could change their names and pronouns in school and parental consent would be required, prompting supporters to halt the proceedings for nearly 30 minutes. Defiantly raised the microphone into the air.
The halt, hours after supporters rallied on the Capitol steps, was the latest development in a standoff over Zephyr’s remarks about lawmakers supporting a ban on gender-affirming treatment for minors. Since Missoula’s first Democrat, Zephyr, told her Republican colleagues last Tuesday that she would “get blood on her hands” if they banned gender-affirming health care for transgender youth, she hasn’t spoken at the Statehouse.
Law enforcement forcibly escorted Zephyr’s supporters from a gallery above the House floor, including several. Seven people were arrested on charges of trespassing, the sheriff said. They were booked and scheduled to be released.
The chaos drew ire from Republican leaders who described it as a “riot” and “rebellion”.
Montana transgender lawmakers silence again, supporters protest
Montana’s Republican legislative leaders continued to bar Democratic Rep. Zooey Zephyr from debate for two weeks, and her supporters suspended House meetings Monday.
Helena, Mont. — Montana Republicans continued to bar Rep. Zooey Zephyr from debate for two weeks, and her supporters suspended House meetings Monday. in the gallery before they are escorted.
Zephyr protested Republicans refusing her request to speak on a proposal that would limit when her children could change their names and pronouns used in school and would require parental consent, prompting supporters to halt the proceedings for nearly 30 minutes. Upon interruption, I defiantly raised the microphone into the air.
The halt, hours after supporters rallied on the Capitol steps, was the latest development in a standoff over Zephyr’s remarks about lawmakers supporting a ban on gender-affirming treatment for minors. She hasn’t spoken at the Statehouse since Zephyr, Missoula’s first Democrat, told her Republican colleagues last Tuesday that she would have “blood on her hands” if they banned gender-affirming health care for transgender youth.
Law enforcement forcibly escorted Zephyr’s supporters from a gallery above the House floor, including several. Seven people were arrested on charges of trespassing, the sheriff said. They were booked and scheduled to be released.
The chaos drew ire from Republican leaders who described it as a “riot” and “rebellion”.
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Leaders muted their video feeds and supporters chanted “Whose house? My house!” The sergeant said he asked Zephyr for help in resolving the situation, but she refused.
Zephyr did not return to the court after lawmakers reconvened. She told the Associated Press that she was heading to the county jail with the arrested protesters. She tweeted that she was there “to support those arrested for defending democracy.”
Proponents of the ban viewed Zephyr’s admonition as unprecedented and personal, but most refrained from commenting publicly.
The House leadership declined to comment to reporters on Monday, but released a statement saying it “denounces violence and will always uphold civil debate and respect governmental process.”
“Today’s riots by far-left agitators damage our discourse and put legislators and staff at risk. Their actions do not represent Montana’s values,” said House Speaker Matt Regier, Interim Speaker Rhonda Knudsen, and Majority Leader. Sue Vinton said in a statement.
The conservative Montana Freedom Caucus, which called for condemnation after Zephyr’s comments last week, issued a statement condemning the actions of “violent protesters” at the Capitol. It said a handful of people interfered with the legislature’s work and showed “why it is necessary to exercise good manners when engaging in public debate.”
“Zephyr encouraged this action by calling all members to step aside, and then standing in the middle of the floor to encourage rebellion.” People in the gallery were told to leave. The caucus, which included 21 of the legislature’s 102 Republicans, called for immediate disciplinary action against Zephyr.