Montana police arrest protesters supporting ‘silenced’ transgender lawmaker
Jack Birle
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Police in Montana arrested seven protesters who disrupted proceedings at the statehouse Monday after a Democratic lawmaker was not recognized to speak for a third consecutive day.
Nearly 100 protesters chanted “Let her speak” from the statehouse gallery. Their chants were in support of Democratic state Rep. Zooey Zephyr, per Montana Public Radio.
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The seven people who were arrested were charged with criminal trespassing and were moved to the Lewis and Clark County jail.
Zephyr, who is transgender, has not been recognized to speak on the House floor since last week, when Zephyr said lawmakers who supported a bill banning transgender surgeries for minors had “blood on their hands.” The bill passed in the chamber and looks likely to be signed into law by Gov. Greg Gianforte (R-MT).
The comments caused an uproar, and the Montana Freedom Caucus demanded Zephyr be censured.
“For the third consecutive day, I have been denied the opportunity to represent my constituents in the Montana legislature and speak on their behalf,” Zephyr said in a statement Monday.
“When my constituents and community members witnessed my microphone being disabled, they courageously came forward to defend their democratic right to be heard — and some were arrested in the process. I stood by them in solidarity and will continue to do so,” Zephyr continued. “As an elected representative, I am devoted to supporting those who speak in defense of democracy, as it is my duty to ensure their voices are heard and respected.”
Republicans in the Montana House denounced the protesters. State House Speaker Matt Regier and state Reps. Rhonda Knudsen and Sue Vinton said in a statement they will “stand firm” in commitment to “decorum, safety, and order.”
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“House Republicans condemn violence and will always stand for civil debate and respect for our democratic process of government,” the statement said. “Today’s riot by far-left agitators damages our discourse and endangered legislators and staff. Their actions did not represent Montana values. We want to thank our law enforcement for maintaining order and protecting the safety of everyone at the Capitol. House leadership will stand firm in our commitment to decorum, safety, and order.”
The Montana House of Representatives will be back in session on Tuesday.