Montana Republicans banned Democrat Rep. Zooey Zephyr from the House floor on Wednesday for the remainder of the legislative session.
Zephyr, the first trans-identified lawmaker in the state’s lower chamber, has been barred from speaking since last week after GOP colleagues censured the Missoula-area representative for “hate-filled” comments. During floor debate on a bill to restrict trans medical interventions for minors with gender dysphoria, the first-term Democrat mocked Republican prayers.
“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,” Zephyr said.
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 legislation ultimately passed in addition to a proposal from the Montana House Freedom Caucus to censure Zephyr. The Democrat was unable to speak until issuing an apology.
The Republican majority’s action Wednesday to temporarily expel Zephyr from the floor of the legislature follows days of disruptions wherein Zephyr encouraged demonstrators who stormed the Capitol. House business came to a halt Monday when protesters filled the public gallery and demanded Zephyr be
