Montana Republicans ban trans lawmaker Zooey Zephyr from House floor
Montana Republicans voted to ban a Democratic transgender lawmaker from the House of Representatives floor for the remainder of the legislative session.
The drastic measure was taken against Zooey Zephyr, the first trans person elected to the state legislature in Montana history, after she spoke out against a bill that would see gender-affirming care for trans youth banned.
The Democratic lawmaker told those who voted yes on the law and its amendments that she hopes they see the “blood on your hands” and was ultimately barred from participating in deliberations on the House floor.
Zephyr was denied the right to debate for more than a week, with the vote against her coming after riot police were sent to the House viewing gallery on 24 April when protesters rallied against the ongoing silencing of the politician.
