FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 3, 2023
NASHVILLE, Tenn. – Today, members of the Tennessee House of Representatives brought resolutions to expel Rep. Gloria Johnson, Rep. Justin Jones, and Rep. Justin Pearson from the state legislature. The resolutions follow the three lawmakers chanting from the well of the House chamber along with people gathered in the balcony to protest gun policies three days after the March 27 Nashville school shooting that left six people dead, including three children.
The following can be attributed to Kathy Sinback, ACLU-TN executive director:
“Trying to expel three lawmakers without due process for amplifying the voices of their constituents in a peaceful, non-violent manner undermines democracy. Expulsion is an extreme measure that is used very infrequently in our state and our country because it strips voters of representation by the people they elected. Instead of rushing to expel members for expressing their ethical convictions about crucial social issues, House leadership should turn to solving the real challenges facing our state.”