@openlynews: Montana statehouse Republicans on Wednesday censured Democratic legislator Zooey Zephyr, the first openly trans lawmaker in the state, for breaking decorum after she said lawmakers who backed a ban on gender-affirming healthcare for minors would have "blood on their hands." Under the motion that passed with a vote of 68-32, Zephyr will be allowed to vote but not participate in debates on the Montana House of Representatives floor for the remainder of the legislative session, scheduled to end on May 10. Montana Speaker of the House Matt Regier, told reporters, "For Representative Zephyr, an apology would be a great step." The discord in Montana - which has garnered national attention amid an escalating culture war in the U.S. over issues like transgender rights - has been brewing since an April 18 debate over Senate Bill 99. The state measure seeks to ban transgender healthcare treatments for minors, including puberty blockers and hormones, under the argument that it will protect children. Zephyr, a first-term representative from Missoula, said in the debate: “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.” #lgbtnews #zooeyzephyr #montana #transawareness

Openly | LGBTQ+ news

Open In TikTok:

Region: GB

Thursday 27 April 2023 07:45:48 GMT