Disruptive Ousted Democrat Lawmakers want their Seats Back: Can They Learn the Rules?

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Rep. Justin Jones Rep. Justin Pearson

 

The Tennessee House made a controversial decision on Thursday when it voted to expel two Democratic representatives who joined protesters that stormed the chamber last month. The protesters were demonstrating for stricter gun control measures following a tragic shooting at a private Christian school in Nashville, which claimed the lives of three staff members and three nine-year-old children. The protesters disrupted legislative proceedings, forcing leaders to halt business and clear the galleries. Rep. Justin Jones and Rep. Justin Pearson Democratic representatives were captured on camera with two bullhorns they snook into the house chambers encouraging the raucous crowd to scream, jeer, and taunt legislators with chants of “no action, no peace.” Rep. Gloria Johnson stood at the podium—but didn’t participate in holding up a sign or holding a bullhorn or inciting the crowd of proestors.

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The GOP-controlled body voted to expel Democratic Representatives Justin Jones and Justin Pearson for “disorderly behavior” in an extraordinary action. A third Democratic representative, Gloria Johnson, narrowly escaped expulsion, coming within one vote of being expelled. Tennessee House Speaker Cameron Sexton explained that the three individuals stormed up to the well where representatives speak from without being recognized, displayed a lack of decorum, disrupted proceedings, and led the balcony in protest for the next 30 to 45 minutes using a megaphone.

Despite the reasons for the expulsion, protesters stormed the Tennessee State Capitol once more to demonstrate against the vote. The protesters gathered inside and outside the capitol in Nashville, chanting to urge lawmakers to take action on gun control measures and to vote against expelling the three lawmakers from their positions in the House.

 

The events that transpired in Tennessee serve as a reminder of the challenges that lawmakers face when it comes to balancing freedom of expression and the rule of law. While protesters have the right to express their grievances, it is not acceptable to disrupt legislative proceedings or to invade the Capitol building. The actions of the Democratic representatives who participated in the protest demonstrate a lack of respect for the legislative process and the rule of law.

However, the response to their actions, which resulted in their expulsion, could be seen as heavy-handed by some. The decision to expel elected representatives is a significant one that should not be taken lightly. It is essential for lawmakers to find a way to balance the need to maintain decorum and order in the legislative process while also respecting the rights of citizens to express their views.

Ultimately, the events in Tennessee serve as a reminder of the importance of civil discourse and respect for the rule of law in a democratic society. While citizens have the right to protest and express their opinions, it is crucial to do so in a way that does not disrupt the workings of government or infringe on the rights of others.