Tennessee Democratic lawmakers in the state House have been removed from leadership positions as punishment for how they carried out fiery protests against Republicans’ redistricting agenda.
Republican Speaker of the House Cameron Sexton removed Democratic lawmakers from all House standing committees and subcommittees until next session, “except where membership is required.” The development affects multiple lawmakers, including state Reps. Justin Pearson, Justin Jones, Gabby Salinas, Gloria Johnson, and Aftyn Behn. One letter sent to Democratic House Leader Karen Camper stated that she would remain on the Government Operations Committee only as required by House rules.
In a letter, Sexton said that the lawmakers took actions “aimed at disrupting the democratic and legislative processes and creating disorder” on the House floor, including “instigating and encouraging disruptions of the legislative process in coordination with paid protestors and attendees in the gallery.”
KeShaun Pearson is arrested and removed from the Tennessee House gallery Thursday, May
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