Tennessee House Expels , Democratic Lawmakers , Over Gun Protest.
On April 6, the Tennessee House of Representatives
voted to expel two Black lawmakers for leading
a protest on the House floor calling for gun reform.
On April 6, the Tennessee House of Representatives
voted to expel two Black lawmakers for leading
a protest on the House floor calling for gun reform.
The vote was met with boos and chants
that followed a seven-hour session. .
Protestors gathered at the state Capitol
as legislators voted to expel Nashville Rep.
Justin Jones and Memphis Rep. Justin Pearson.
Protestors gathered at the state Capitol
as legislators voted to expel Nashville Rep.
Justin Jones and Memphis Rep. Justin Pearson.
A third vote failed to expel Knoxville
Rep. Gloria Johnson, who also participated
in the protest on the House floor.
There comes a time where people get sick
and tired of being sick and tired. And so my
colleagues, I say that what we did was act
in our responsibility as legislators to serve
and give voice to the grievances
of people who have been silenced, Justin Jones, Nashville Representative, via CNN.
There comes a time where people get sick
and tired of being sick and tired. And so my
colleagues, I say that what we did was act
in our responsibility as legislators to serve
and give voice to the grievances
of people who have been silenced, Justin Jones, Nashville Representative, via CNN.
We called for you all to ban
assault weapons, and you respond
with an assault on democracy, Justin Jones, Nashville Representative, via CNN.
CNN reports that in the last 157 years,
the House has only expelled two lawmakers. .
The first time was in 1980, when
a representative was found guilty
of accepting a bribe while holding office.
The last time was in 2016, when
another representative was expelled amid
allegations of sexual harassment.
GOP lawmakers have cited Article II, Section 12 of the
Tennessee Constitution, which states that the House can , “punish its members for disorderly behavior, and,
with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel a member.”.
GOP lawmakers have cited Article II, Section 12 of the
Tennessee Constitution, which states that the House can , “punish its members for disorderly behavior, and,
with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel a member.”.
CNN reports that Republicans hold control of the
Tennessee House of Representatives with 75 members,
compared to just 23 Democrats and one vacant seat.
CNN reports that Republicans hold control of the
Tennessee House of Representatives with 75 members,
compared to just 23 Democrats and one vacant seat