Protesters entered the Montana House of Representatives on Monday in support of a transgender lawmaker whom state Republicans censured over contentious remarks during a debate over a ban on certain gender-related treatments.
Democrat state Rep. Zooey Zephyr, a transgender individual, said that supporters of the bill would have “blood on their hands.”
“The only thing I will say, is if you vote yes on this bill and yes on these amendments, I hope the next time there’s an invocation when you bow your heads in prayer, you see the blood on your hands,” Zephyr said, ultimately prompting a censure from the chamber.
Video footage emerged on the demonstration on Monday within the gallery shouting “let her speak!” in apparent reference to the censure of Zephyr.
From the footage, it does not appear that any demonstrators reached the House floor.
Montana lawmakers have backed the “Youth Health Protection Act,” which would bar hormone therapies and gender surgeries for minors within the state. Read more…
