The GOP-led Montana House of Representatives voted on Wednesday to censure a transgender lawmaker who told colleagues who support legislation that would ban transgender surgeries for minors that they have “blood on your hands.”
State Rep. Zooey Zephyr (D-Missoula), a man who identifies as a woman, is barred from attending or speaking at floor sessions, but will be allowed to vote remotely for the remainder of the session, which is set to end next week.
Following the vote, which came in along party lines, Zephyr blasted the “undemocratic decision” by the Republican majority.
My statement on the Montana GOP's undemocratic decision to ban me from debate on the House floor:
Today I stood unwaveringly in defense of my constituents, my community, and democracy itself. And I pledge to always do so. pic.twitter.com/mCuN9ah0JL
— Rep. Zooey Zephyr (@ZoAndBehold) April 26, 2023
Over the past few days, Republican leadership refused to recognize Zephyr to speak, citing violations of decorum rules after the Zephyr lashed out at other lawmakers who support legislation that would crack down on transgender surgeries for minors.
“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, referring to the opening prayer.
Rep Zooey Zephyr of Missoula said the following when debating SB99 Amendments.
“The only thing I will say is if you vote yes on this bill and yes on these amendments I hope the next time there’s an invocation when you bow your heads in prayer, you see the blood on your hands.” pic.twitter.com/wuhlympbLq
— Montana Freedom Caucus (@MTFreedomCaucus) April 18, 2023
The vote to censure Zephyr followed a marked escalation on Monday, when Zephyr held up a microphone as supporters disrupted the proceedings in the Montana House chamber while chanting “Let her speak!” The commotion led to several arrests.
Protesters chanted, "LET HER SPEAK" at a Montana House Session, while Rep. Zooey Zephyr held a microphone in the air. Republican leaders in the legislature doubled down on their decision to continue to forbid her from participating in debate.
Full Story: https://t.co/ABth9kV3N3 pic.twitter.com/IqabIkO07h— NBC Montana (@NBCMontana) April 24, 2023
“House Republicans condemn violence and will always stand for civil debate and respect for our process of government,” Montana House GOP leadership said in a statement after the chaos on Monday.
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“Today’s riot by far-left agitators damages our discourse and endangered legislators and staff. Their actions did not represent Montana values,” they added. “We want to thank our law enforcement for maintaining order and protecting the safety of everyone at the Capitol. House Leadership will stand firm in our commitment to decorum, safety, and order. We will uphold the people’s will that sent 68 Republicans to Helena.”
Prior to the vote on Wednesday, Zephyr tweeted that expulsion was also a possible punishment.
I have been informed that during tomorrow’s floor session there will be a motion to either censure or expel me.
I've also been told I'll get a chance to speak. I will do as I have always done—rise on behalf of my constituents, in defense of my community, & for democracy itself. pic.twitter.com/8gD3UWPBkS
— Rep. Zooey Zephyr (@ZoAndBehold) April 26, 2023
The Tennessee House voted earlier this month to expel a pair of Democrats for joining with protesters who stormed the state Capitol and demanded more gun restrictions following the mass shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville. They have both since been reinstated.
Given a chance to speak before the vote on Wednesday, Zephyr argued the rules are being used to suppress the voice of not only an elected official but also voters.
'If you use decorum to silence people who hold you accountable, all you are doing is using decorum as a tool of oppression.'
Rep. Zooey Zephyr (D) defended herself from possible disciplinary action in Montana's state House after she spoke out over an anti-transgender bill. pic.twitter.com/5EwgXMYYjp
— NowThis (@nowthisnews) April 26, 2023
“If you use decorum to silence people who hold you accountable, all you are doing is using decorum as a tool of oppression,” Zephyr said.