Silenced transgender lawmaker Zooey Zephyr: What to know

By MATTHEW BROWN, AMY BETH HANSON and SAM METZ
Associated Press

HELENA, Mont. (AP) — The latest instance of one party deciding who can be heard during legislative debate has ended for now after a judge denied a transgender lawmaker’s bid to return to the Montana House floor. Democratic Rep. Zooey Zephyr had been prevented from speaking on the floor since April 20 after telling colleagues who supported a ban on gender-affirming care for youths that they would have blood on their hands. Zephyr was banned from the floor for violating decorum by encouraging protesters. A judge said he would not interfere with the Legislature’s punishment. Zephyr says her rights as a lawmaker ended with the state’s GOP supermajority.