[US]
The Tennessee State House's decision to expel two Democratic lawmakers on
Thursday has prompted widespread accusations of racism and concerns about
democracy, including from the former representatives themselves. The vote came
a week after three lawmakers interrupted a floor session with a megaphone,
leading protesters in calls for stronger gun laws in the wake of the Nashville
school shooting that left six people dead.
They
said they were representing their constituents, while Republicans said they
were leading an insurrection. The Republican-controlled House voted along party
lines to expel Reps. Justin Jones, D-Nashville, and Justin Pearson, D-Memphis —
both Black lawmakers under the age of 30. Rep. Gloria Johnson, D-Knoxville,
held on to her seat by a single vote, and later suggested that's because she is
white.
