Tennessee House Republicans Silencing Minority Voices During Special Session on Public Safety

Tennessee state Rep. Justin Jones (D) was silenced during a special session on public safety in the state House on Monday. The Republican majority may permanently adopt the controversial House floor rules it passed for the session, which offered them a tool for silencing their minority colleagues and members of the public.

The special session was requested in April by Gov. Bill Lee (R) following the expulsion of two Democratic representatives. During a debate about police officers in schools, Jones called for more mental health professionals and counselors in schools and higher pay for teachers. Members of the chamber voted 70-20 to ban Jones from speaking for the rest of the day, saying he’d spoken off-topic twice.

On Tuesday, House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R) hinted that the Republican majority may permanently adopt the controversial House floor rules it passed for the special session. The agreement to adjourn the session came after state House and Senate leadership met with Gov. Lee.

The expulsion of the two Democratic representatives and the silencing of Jones during the special session have raised questions about the fairness of the House floor rules. Critics have argued that the rules are being used to silence minority voices and stifle debate.

The special session was intended to address gun laws and public safety, but it remains to be seen whether the controversial House floor rules will be adopted permanently. If they are, it could have a significant impact on the ability of minority representatives to participate in the legislative process.