In a tense House floor session, Republican lawmakers in Nashville voted to silence Democratic member Rep. Justin Jones, a member of the “Tennessee Three.” This decision came after Jones violated newly enacted rules aimed at punishing disruptive members. As a result, Jones was prohibited from speaking and debating on bills for the remainder of the session. The vote caused outcry and disruptions from the crowd, even after the House speaker ordered them to be cleared out.
Prior to being silenced, Jones had been criticizing legislation that would have increased the presence of law enforcement officers in schools. He emphasized the need for other resources, such as mental health professionals and better pay for teachers. However, House Speaker Cameron Sexton warned Jones to stay on topic. Under the new rules, members can face punishment for not sticking to the bill being debated.
Jones was ruled out of order by Sexton, leading to a vote on whether to silence him for the rest of the session. Democrats attempted to persuade their GOP colleagues to change their minds, but 70 GOP members voted to silence Jones. In response, Democratic members, including Jones, left the chamber in protest.
After leaving the chamber, Jones expressed his concerns about being silenced, especially when discussing an issue relevant to his district. Gun control advocates, present in the crowd due to a recent deadly school shooting in Nashville, voiced their disapproval by calling the lawmakers “fascists” and “racists.” Troopers were eventually ordered to clear the gallery.
The disruptions from the crowd resulted in a delay to the legislative proceedings, with Republican lawmakers struggling to hear and vote on matters. Jones, along with two other lawmakers, had previously been expelled for participating in a pro-gun control protest at the Tennessee Capitol. However, Jones and another expelled member were subsequently reelected to their positions.
Overall, this incident highlights the tensions and divisions within the Tennessee House of Representatives, particularly when it comes to issues such as gun control and the role of law enforcement in schools.
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