Republican lawmakers made the decision to temporarily silence Rep. Justin Jones, a member of the “Tennessee Three” group, during a heated House floor session. This action was taken because Jones violated newly implemented rules that aim to discipline disruptive members. As a result, Jones was prohibited from speaking and participating in debates about bills for the remainder of the day. This incident occurred during a special session called by Republican Governor Bill Lee in response to a tragic shooting at a Christian elementary school in Nashville. The House and Senate are currently in a tense standoff regarding legislative proposals related to mental health, juvenile justice, school safety, and other issues.
Despite calls for significant gun control changes, Republican legislative leaders have chosen not to address these concerns, including the governor’s proposal to restrict access to guns for individuals deemed a threat to themselves or others. The decision to silence Jones triggered an outburst of cries and chants that disrupted proceedings, prompting the House speaker to clear out the gallery. Prior to this, Jones had been criticizing a bill that aimed to increase the number of law enforcement officers in schools, and he was advocating for other resources that the state should provide instead. House Speaker Cameron Sexton had previously cautioned Jones to stay on topic. The newly adopted rules by the Republican-dominated chamber allow members to be silenced for varying durations if they deviate from the current bill under discussion.
Jones argued that schools need mental health professionals, funding for counseling services, and better pay for teachers, rather than an increase in police presence. However, Sexton deemed Jones out of order, leading to a vote on whether to silence him for the remainder of the session. The aftermath was chaotic, with Democrats passionately urging their GOP colleagues to reconsider. Despite their efforts, 70 Republican lawmakers voted in favor of silencing Jones. In response, Democratic members, accompanied by Jones, left the chamber in anger. The crowd, including advocates for gun control, directed chants of “fascists” and “racists” towards the Republicans, prompting Sexton to order troopers to remove the public from the gallery.
It’s important to note that Jones was previously expelled, along with two other lawmakers, for participating in a pro-gun control protest inside the Tennessee Capitol. This protest occurred shortly after a tragic shooting at the Covenant School, which claimed the lives of three children and three adults. Jones, along with Justin Pearson and Gloria Johnson, approached the front of the House floor without permission and joined protesters in voicing their demands for action. Pearson and Jones, both African American, were expelled, while Johnson, who is white, narrowly avoided expulsion. However, Jones and Pearson were reelected to their positions thereafter. Jones expressed his disappointment with House Speaker Sexton’s leadership, calling it disheartening and troubling.
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