Three state representatives in Tennessee took to the capitol in the wake of the Nashville shooting not to legislate, but to protest. Using bullhorns and a strong contingent of supporters, they disrupted proceedings. Although they found their actions to be necessary, and the Democratic legislatures didn’t feel the other side was taking any action on gun control.
Because they violated parliamentary procedure, spoke out of turn and weren’t recognized, the GOP, who already took them off their committees, will vote to expel them. Whatever you feel about the politics, the act is a most unprecedented move. Most legislatures get removed for violating the law or making statements so offensive and egregious that they’ve diminished the standing of the state house. But that wasn’t the case with this protest.
The precedent in Tennessee specifically bares this out. Only twice before have local legislatures been expelled. One was expelled in 1980 after being convicted of attempting to get bribed, and in 2016 when the majority whip had credible allegations of sexual assault against him.
Protests outside the state capitol began yesterday, and have gotten much bigger in the wake of expulsion. In addition to protesting the perceived unfairness of the lawmakers’ ouster, they also called for background checks and called out an attempt to lower the legal age to be permitted to purchase guns.
It’s entirely possible that the state GOP is right on the control issue. But this is the least strategic way to show their support for the 2nd amendment. These three state reps will become national figures and acquire even more sympathy. Sometimes the GOP has this remarkable way of shooting themselves in the foot. Don’t expect this to end well if you’re a supporter of gun rights.
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