Zooey Zephyr Sends Parting Message to Montana Republicans After Censure
Twitter shortly after lawmakers voted to censure her for what Republicans deemed a breach of decorum.As I left the House chambers, I pressed my light to speak—a reminder that this legislature is removing 11,000 Montanans from discussion on every bill going forward.I will always stand on behalf of my constituents, my community, and democracy itself.
pic.twitter.com/H3CLZufy6EWith a vote of 68 to 32 in the GOP-dominated chamber, Zephyr was barred from the House and will not be allowed to debate or speak on legislation for the remainder of session, which ends next week.While Zephyr will still be allowed to vote, she must do it remotely.
The censure is the culmination of a chaotic week that included protests and seven people arrested for what supporters call the censorship of the first transgender woman to be elected to the state legislature.Republican House Speaker Matt Regier on Thursday refused to allow Zephyr to speak or engage in debate, saying her comments about Senate Bill 99, which aims to ban gender-affirming care for minors, were a breach of decorum.Newsweek has reached out via email to Zephyr and Regier for comment.During debate on the legislation, Zephyr argued that by denying the care and forcing a trans youth to go through puberty would be "tantamount to torture, and this body should be ashamed."It was her final remarks that angered House Republicans: "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 was referring to studies finding that access to transgender health care can reduce the suicide rate of minors.
Conservatives saw the comments as "hateful rhetoric," which prompted Regier to prohibit her from discussion and debate until she.
