News Briefs April 30, 2023 Amber’s Rant

Representative Zooey Zephyr

Zooey Zephyr is Montana’s only transgender Representative.

Recently she was denied from taking part in debate over a measure banning gender-affirming care for minors.  Previously Zephyr warned lawmakers that they would have blood on their hands if they passed such legislation.

Zooey Zepher on the house floor in Montana

That statement earned a demand from the legislature’s far-right Montana Freedom Caucus to censure Zephyr.

Republican House Speaker Matt Regier subsequently banned her from speaking on bills in the House until she apologized.   

Republican House Speaker Matt Regier

Zooey responded, “I will not apologize for speaking with clarity and precision about the harm these bills cause. Montana Republicans say they want an apology, but what they really want is silence as they take away the rights of trans and queer Montanans.”

Earlier, a large crowd had gathered outside the capital in support of Zephyr.   When the protesters entered the building, police in riot gear marched past the first-term representative in a show of force on their way to arresting seven protesters among the crowd, chanting in unison, “Let her speak!” and “Whose House? Our House!”

And then the Republicans voted to formally punish her.

The formal punishment bans Zephyr from attending or speaking during floor sessions. She will only be allowed to vote remotely in the remaining days of the legislative session. It’s a lesser punishment than expulsion, which was also on the table according to House leadership.

First Tennessee, now Montana.  This is getting scary.