Thousands of Christians Condemn GOP's 'Fascist' Silencing of Trans Lawmaker
spoke last week against Senate Bill 99, which was recently signed by Montana Governor Greg Gianforte, banning gender-affirming care for minors.
The legislation, which will go into effect on October 1, states that health care professionals who violate the gender-affirming ban are "subject to discipline by the appropriate licensing entity or disciplinary review board." Consequences will include a suspension from their medical practice for at least a year.From boycotting Bud Light for allowing transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney to promote the beer brand's product, to banning transgender people from participating in women's sports, transgender rights have been heavily targeted by conservatives and Republican-led states.
Over 385 anti-trans bills were introduced in the United States this year alone, with some lawmakers calling for either limiting or banning access to gender-affirming care for children, and access to public restrooms.On the House floor, Zephyr said that forcing a transgender child to go through puberty would be "tantamount to torture, and this body should be ashamed.""If you vote yes on this bill, I hope the next time you bow your heads in prayer, you see the blood on your hands," Zephyr said.
In response, Republican House Speaker Matt Regier deemed her statements as a breach of decorum. As a result, she was barred from the House floor in a 68-32 vote, meaning that she will not be allowed to debate or speak on legislation for the remainder of session, which ends next week.
