Rep. Zooey Zephyr walks out of Montana House after lawmakers vote to ban her from chamber on Wednesday, April 26, 2023 in Helena, Mont.
Thom Bridge, Independent Record
A contentious disciplinary session ended abruptly when Rep. Zoey Zephyr walked out of the Montana House of Representatives on Wednesday afternoon. The Republican-led majority voted to bar her from participating further after she was accused by Republicans for violating a new rule requiring lawmakers to use specific language in discussions about gender identity.
Zoey Zephyr, who is transgender and has been an outspoken advocate for LGBTQ+ rights, had introduced legislation aimed at increasing protections against discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. However, the bill did not pass during this year’s legislative session.
The disciplinary action was sparked by a complaint filed with House authorities alleging that Rep. Zephyr violated the new rule in her speech about transgender individuals and their access to public facilities such as bathrooms.
Rep. Zoey Zephyr had been given an opportunity to address concerns from Republicans, but she declined saying “I’m not going to engage on this.”
The disciplinary action was then put before a committee for consideration. However, after several hours of debate the vote came up short and Rep. Zephyr walked out.
Zoey’s actions have drawn support from many lawmakers who say that her treatment is unfair and an attempt by Republicans to silence her views.
Rep. Zoey Zephyr has been open about being transgender since taking office in 2021, when she became the first openly trans person elected to Montana state legislature.