Tennessee Lawmakers Face Expulsion After Joining Pro-Gun Control Protest at State Capitol

Three Democratic lawmakers in the Tennessee House of Representatives are facing possible removal from the legislature after participating in pro-gun control protests at the state capitol. Reps. Justin Jones (D-Nashville), Justin J. Pearson (D-Memphis), and Gloria Johnson (D-Knoxville) took part in demonstrations on March 30, calling for tighter gun laws in Tennessee.

Their involvement in the protests drew sharp criticism from their Republican counterparts. According to the Nashville Tennessean, the lawmakers cheered on the crowd of demonstrators from the House floor with a bullhorn, flouting rules that mandate speaking without recognition.

House Republicans condemned the actions of the lawmakers, with House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-Crossville) calling for a 30-minute recess during the incident.

Additionally, the three lawmakers have been stripped of their committee assignments and their ID badges have been revoked by Republicans, according to Newsweek.

The lawmakers may now face expulsion from the House. A resolution, filed by Rep. Bud Hulsey (R-Sullivan) and other lawmakers, seeks to remove the trio from their seats, citing a breach of chamber rules and disorderly behavior that brought “disorder and dishonor” to the House.

Republicans voted on Monday to expedite the process of expelling the members, with a vote expected on Thursday. The lawmakers may have an opportunity to defend their actions during the Senate session.

Johnson responded to the resolution on Twitter, stating that the lawmakers were “fighting to protect children from gun violence” and would not be silenced.