TENNESSEE GOP LAWMAKERS CALLOUSLY DISENFRANCHISE OVER 135,000 VOTERS AFTER THEIR REPRESENTATIVES CALL FOR REFORMS TO PREVENT GUN VIOLENCE
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
APRIL 6, 2023
PRESS CONTACT:
Sarah Harris, [email protected]
First Time In State History a Member is Removed From Office Without Bipartisan Support
NASHVILLE — Today, the MAGA Republican-controlled Tennessee State House voted to remove Representatives Justin Jones and Justin Pearson for leading a protest from the House floor to call for gun safety laws in the wake of the mass shooting at The Covenant School. This is the first time in state history a lawmaker has been removed from the House without bipartisan support and only the second time this disciplinary measure has been used since the 1800s.
Stand Up America’s Executive Director Christina Harvey released the following statement after the vote:
“What happened today in Tennessee is a disgrace. Overturning the will of voters because you disagree with the representatives they have elected is disenfranchisement plain and simple. In a democracy, no leader should be removed from office for standing up for their constituents, especially in the wake of tragedy.
“This political stunt sets a dangerous precedent, leaving over 135,000 Tennessee residents, many of whom are Black, without any representation in the State House until new members are appointed or elected. The MAGA legislators who perpetrated this injustice are unworthy of calling themselves public servants.”
To speak with a Stand Up America representative about our work, please don’t hesitate to reach out to [email protected].
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About Stand Up America
Stand Up America is a progressive advocacy organization with nearly two million community members across the country. Focused on grassroots advocacy to stand up to corruption and voter suppression and build a more representative democracy, Stand Up America has driven over 1.7 million calls to lawmakers, registered over 100,000 voters, mobilized thousands of protestors, and contacted tens of millions of voters.
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