Zooey Zephyr was silenced for speaking out, and became a political star in the process
far likelier to consider or attempt suicide than their cisgender peers.“If you are denying gender-affirming care and forcing a trans child to go through puberty, that is tantamount to torture, and this body should be ashamed,” she said. “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.”"If you are denying gender-affirming care and forcing a trans child to go through puberty, that is 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." pic.twitter.com/WnxvmQtFCtIn retaliation, House Speaker Matt Regier blocked Zephyr from being able to debate on the floor.
Montana’s Republican-dominated House voted 68-32 to discipline Zephyr, who wasn’t allowed to participate in debates for the remainder of the legislative session.
The 34-year-old lawmaker represents Missoula, the second-largest city in the state.“Your rights stop at a legislative supermajority,” she said about the state’s Republicans in an interview afterwards, via the AP. “If two-thirds of a body decide that you and your constituents don’t deserve representation, you don’t get it. … That should be a huge worry for people who want to stand up for democracy.”When the House adjourned May 2, Zephyr was allowed to reenter the chamber, and was embraced by her Democratic colleagues.Late last night, the House adjourned Sine Die—meaning the 68th legislative session has come to a close.As soon as we adjourned, I returned to my seat in the People's House to celebrate the work my colleagues & I did this session, and begin discussing what comes next.
