(Jacob Bruns, Headline USA) Leftist rioters descended on the Montana state legislature Monday, prompting the state riot police to manage the mob, Just the News reported.
Specifically, they entered to defend Democrat state Rep. Zooey Zephyr, a transgender lawmaker who was barred from speaking on the floor after throwing a tantrum as state Republicans sought to pass the Youth Health Protection Act, a bill that banned genital-mutilation procedures for minors.
Zephyr told the other legislators that they would have “blood on their hands” if they passed the bill.
“The only thing I will say, is if you vote yes on this bill and yes on these amendments, I hope the next time there’s an invocation when you bow your heads in prayer, you see the blood on your hands,” Zephyr said, ultimately prompting a censure from the chamber.
But not to be outdone, Zephyr addressed the protesters Monday before they entered the building.
“[The proposed bill] attacks the very reason we have elections,” Zephyr said.
“I was sent here to speak on behalf of my constituents, to speak on behalf of my community,” Zephyr added. “It’s the promise I made when I got elected, and it’s the promise that I will continue to keep every single day that I’m in this building.”
In response to the rule of law, left-wing protesters swarmed the state capitol, shouting “let her speak!” Soon thereafter, state riot police intervened.
At least seven protesters were arrested.
Zephyr later expressed support for the protesters in a tweet, suggesting that they were defending democracy.
I have stepped off the house floor to show support for those who were arrested defending democracy.
I will be back as soon as I can.
— Rep. Zooey Zephyr (@ZoAndBehold) April 24, 2023
The protesters also turned in a petition to Montana House Speaker Matt Regier to let Zephyr begin speaking once more on the House floor.
Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte proposed several amendments to the bill, which has been approved by both chambers of the legislature. He did, however, express support for the bill’s passage.
