The Republican-led House in Montana will vote on Wednesday to evaluate the behavior of a transgender legislator during a protest that took place after the Republican Speaker forbade her from speaking in several hearings this week.
Rep. Zooey Zephyr, a Democrat from Missoula, was informed of the "disciplinary consequences" for her conduct on the House floor during Monday's protest via a letter from Republican House leaders on Tuesday. The letter was signed by House Speaker Matt Regier of Kalispell, according to UPI.
Rep. Regier has set the motion for a vote at 11 a.m. EDT on Wednesday. The objective is to investigate whether Zephyr breached the rules, "collective rights, safety, dignity, integrity, or decorum of the House of Representatives," and if so, to determine whether disciplinary action should be taken against her.
Transgender Lawmaker Refuses To Apologize
Zooey Zephyr shared on social media a letter she had received from House leaders on Tuesday evening, informing her of the intention to have disciplinary action taken against her.
The transgender Montana legislator tweeted, "I've also been told I'll get a chance to speak," and added that she would keep upholding her responsibility to stand up for her residents and protect her neighborhood, per the National Post.
I have been informed that during tomorrow’s floor session there will be a motion to either censure or expel me.
— Rep. Zooey Zephyr (@ZoAndBehold) April 26, 2023
I've also been told I'll get a chance to speak. I will do as I have always done—rise on behalf of my constituents, in defense of my community, & for democracy itself. pic.twitter.com/8gD3UWPBkS
Rep. Zooey Zephyr, a 34-year-old Democrat, has been prevented from speaking on the state House floor since she said on April 18 that lawmakers who voted to outlaw gender-affirming medical treatment would have "blood on your hands."
Republican House Speaker Matt Regier has refused to let Zephyr speak until she retracts her remarks, but Zephyr has said she will not apologize and stands by her statements, per CBS News.
On Monday, riot police detained seven Zooey Zephyr supporters for rallying inside the halls of the Montana House of Representatives while dozens more demonstrated on the state Capitol steps.
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