Mont. House Bars Trans Lawmaker From ’23 Session

Lawmakers in Montana have voted to punish state Rep. Zooey Zephyr, a male-to-female transgender Democrat who appeared to threaten her Republican colleagues.

Zephyr debated Republicans last week, arguing that her statement they would see “blood on [their] hands” alluded to studies that show that transgender health care can reduce suicidality in youth.

She reiterated her position Wednesday on the House floor.

“I have fielded calls from families in Montana, including one family whose trans teenager attempted to take her life while watching a hearing on one of the anti-trans bills,” Zephyr said. “So when I rose up and said, ‘There is blood on your hands,’ I was not being hyperbolic.”

However, Republican lawmakers weren’t convinced, voting 68-32 to prohibit Zephyr from attending or speaking during floor sessions this year.

“Monday, this body witnessed one of its members participating in conduct that disrupted and disturbed the orderly proceedings of this body … placing legislators, staff, and even our pages at risk of harm,” said Republican House Majority Leader Sue Vintin.

The controversy arose three weeks after the Tennessee House voted to expel state Reps. Justin Jones and Justin Pearson for using a megaphone on the floor during a gun reform protest. The lawmakers were reinstated by their constituencies.