As a result of her criticism of fellow legislators for opposing gender-affirming care for children, Montana Republicans invoked “decorum” rules to keep Zooey Zephyr from participating in House floor discussions. This disciplinary action is the first in Montana in almost 50 years and follows a weeklong standoff between Zephyr and House Republican leaders.
Zephyr can still vote and partake in committee work but is barred from discussing proposals and amendments on the House floor. The legislative session is scheduled to end in early May. Zephyr’s treatment has fueled the nationwide debate about the role of protest in a democracy, as lawmakers punished her for expressing dissent.
Supporters of Zephyr held protests earlier this week, interrupting proceedings with chants of “Let her Speak.” Republican leaders eventually allowed Zephyr to make a statement before voting to discipline her. She argued that her initial “blood on your hands” comment and subsequent actions were meant to defend the LGBTQ+ community and her constituents in Missoula.
Republicans who supported barring Zephyr from the floor said she disrupted proceedings and incited protests that endangered lawmakers and staff. It has not been reported that the building has been damaged. The incident comes weeks after two Black Tennessee state representatives were expelled for participating in a gun control protest following a school shooting. Both lawmakers were later reinstated by their county commissions. Zephyr’s punishment has sparked a debate about representation and voice in elected bodies during this politically charged era.
In Zephyr’s opinion, the Missoula Democratic Party and her community would quickly reinstate her if she were expelled since she represents their values and stands up for democracy. Missoula County Democratic Party Chair Andy Nelson expressed disappointment with the decision to discipline Zephyr, stating that it essentially silenced her and the 11,000 people she represents.
The disciplinary action occurred two days after protesters filled the Statehouse gallery and disrupted House proceedings, chanting “Let her speak” while Zephyr raised her microphone toward them. The seven following arrests further divided her supporters and opponents, who argued that her actions were an unacceptable attack on civil discourse.
The far-right Montana Freedom Caucus advocated for Zephyr’s censure, accused her of supporting the protesters for her ego, and deliberately misgendered her by using incorrect pronouns. Caucus member Rep. Joe Read also alleged that Zephyr signalled her supporters just before the session was disrupted but did not provide any details.
Zephyr maintains that she felt compelled to stand up for democracy in the face of these challenges, expressing pride in those who defended democratic values and hope that she could contribute to that effort by fulfilling her responsibilities as a legislator.
The disciplinary actions taken against transgender legislator Zooey Zephyr have ignited a debate about the role of protest in democracy and the importance of representation in elected bodies. As the nation grapples with increasingly polarized politics, the outcome of Zephyr’s case and similar incidents will have significant implications for the future of political discourse and the rights of marginalized communities in the United States.
