House Speaker threatens expulsion for three lawmakers over protest participation

BLAISE GAINEY APRIL 2, 2023

Anna Katherine WhiteTennessee House Majority Caucus
House Speaker Cameron Sexton says Nashville Mayor John Cooper’s willingness to host the 2028 Republican National Convention could be the start of easing tensions between the city and Republican state lawmakers.
Share:FacebookTwitterEmail
Parents and children held signs and shouted chants during a large protest at the Tennessee capitol last week following a deadly school shooting. And while no one was arrested or injured, Republican House Speaker Cameron Sexton is comparing the demonstration to the Jan. 6 insurrection.

During the House Floor session on Thursday — days after the Covenant School shooting — Reps. Gloria Johnson, D-Knox, Justin Pearson, D-Memphis, and Justin Jones, D-Nashville, stood up and chanted with protestors in the gallery.

Pearson and other Democrats attempted to acknowledge the large group of protesters during session, but were told to stick to the subject of the bill by Speaker Cameron.

“We listened to them and helped to elevate the issue that they are demanding justice for,” said Pearson.