Lawmakers around the country have voiced their support for former Tennessee Reps. Justin Jones, Justin Pearson and Rep. Gloria Johnson after two were ousted over a protest for gun control.
that killed six people, including three children. The state representatives chanted through a microphone as hundreds of children and their parents filled the spectator gallery in support. Tennessee Rep. Gloria Johnson, who also participated in the protest, was stripped of her committee roles but failed to be expelled by a single vote.
In a resolution filed against Jones, Pearson, and Johnson that called their behavior “disorderly” and “intentionally [bringing] disorder and dishonor” to the Statehouse, the Republican-controlled House made several extraordinary decisions, including Jones’ microphone during the vote while he was speaking. Many also pointed out that Jones and Pearson are Black, while Johnson is white.
“The world is watching Tennessee because what is happening here today is a farce of democracy,” JonesSince then, many public figures have voiced their support for the trio. The three have met virtually with President Joe Biden, and in-person in Tennessee with Vice President Kamala Harris, who also delivered a passionate speech in their defense at at Fisk University in Nashville on Saturday.
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