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"We will not be intimidated. The public is urging us to take action to prevent the senseless killing of children in schools," One of the Tennessee Democrats facing expulsion wrote.
On Monday, Tennessee House Republicans started the process of expelling three Democratic lawmakers who participated in protests calling for stricter gun laws in response to the recent Nashville mass shooting that killed six people. During the protest, the Democratic representatives used a bullhorn and led chants supporting gun control legislation from the podium inside the House chamber. Tennessee House Republicans accused the trio of intentionally bringing disorder and dishonor to the House of Representatives and introduced three expulsion resolutions.
The Tennessee Black Caucus of State Legislators called the action unconstitutional and morally bankrupt, adding that people have the right to be heard through their elected representatives. The vote on the resolutions is expected on Thursday, and it is unlikely for the Democrats to block the expulsions. The House Speaker ordered the galleries cleared and protesters removed after chants of "Fascists!" erupted inside the chamber. Tennessee Democratic lawmakers who have already been stripped of their committee assignments described
"it as a sad day for Tennessee."
The Tennessee Republican lawmakers initiated the expulsion process of three Democratic representatives who joined protests calling for stricter gun laws after the recent Nashville mass shooting. Several thousands of Nashville students walked out of their classrooms, demanding action on gun violence, which is sadly now the leading cause of death among children in the United States.
However, Tennessee Republicans have been making firearms more accessible, passing measures that weaken regulations and eliminate some permit requirements. Despite facing expulsion, the Democratic lawmakers continue to show solidarity with the protesters. One of the lawmakers, Pearson, disputed the state GOP's description of the protests, saying it was not an insurrection. Another representative, Jones, declared that they would not be intimidated and that people were demanding action to stop school shootings.
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