Montana’s first trans lawmaker, Zooey Zephyr, has been banned from speaking in the House of Representatives after speaking out against an anti-trans bill. State officials voted to censure Zephyr following a week of pushback against a bill that would ban gender-affirming care for trans youth.
During a legislative hearing on Monday, activists filled the Montana Capitol building’s observation stands, chanting for state officials to “let her speak.” Riot police dispersed the crowd and arrested seven protestors in the process.
Following a powerful speech by Zephyr, who accused anti-trans lawmakers of having “blood on their hands,” House speaker Matt Regier refused to acknowledge her going forward until she apologized. The vote means that Zephyr will no longer be able to speak during House floor debates or even participate in House business for the rest of 2023.
GLAAD CEO Sarah Kate Ellis described the decision as an “attack” on democracy and free speech, adding that it’s an assault on democracy to suppress the already marginalized and under-represented voices of LGBTQ+ people and people of color. “Speaking up is literally what they were elected to do,” she said. “This news is a strong reminder that our voices are our power. When we speak, extremist lawmakers can’t help but hear us.”
Zephyr’s speech on 18 April, in which she said that the bill SB99 was “tantamount to torture,” was described by activists as yet another example of that. After being sworn in as Montana’s first trans lawmaker in January, Zooey Zephyr became a beacon of hope for state residents and LGBTQ+ Americans everywhere.
Following news of the vote, she said: “I will do as I have always done – rise on behalf of my constituents, in defence of my community, and for democracy itself.” This decision raises questions about the role of the House of Representatives in promoting inclusivity and diversity, and whether they are truly representing all the voices of the people they serve.