Tennessee House Expels , Democratic Lawmakers , Over Gun Protest.<br />On April 6, the Tennessee House of Representatives <br />voted to expel two Black lawmakers for leading <br />a protest on the House floor calling for gun reform.<br />On April 6, the Tennessee House of Representatives <br />voted to expel two Black lawmakers for leading <br />a protest on the House floor calling for gun reform.<br />The vote was met with boos and chants <br />that followed a seven-hour session. .<br />Protestors gathered at the state Capitol <br />as legislators voted to expel Nashville Rep. <br />Justin Jones and Memphis Rep. Justin Pearson.<br />Protestors gathered at the state Capitol <br />as legislators voted to expel Nashville Rep. <br />Justin Jones and Memphis Rep. Justin Pearson.<br />A third vote failed to expel Knoxville <br />Rep. Gloria Johnson, who also participated <br />in the protest on the House floor.<br />There comes a time where people get sick <br />and tired of being sick and tired. And so my <br />colleagues, I say that what we did was act <br />in our responsibility as legislators to serve <br />and give voice to the grievances <br />of people who have been silenced, Justin Jones, Nashville Representative, via CNN.<br />There comes a time where people get sick <br />and tired of being sick and tired. And so my <br />colleagues, I say that what we did was act <br />in our responsibility as legislators to serve <br />and give voice to the grievances <br />of people who have been silenced, Justin Jones, Nashville Representative, via CNN.<br />We called for you all to ban <br />assault weapons, and you respond <br />with an assault on democracy, Justin Jones, Nashville Representative, via CNN.<br />CNN reports that in the last 157 years, <br />the House has only expelled two lawmakers. .<br />The first time was in 1980, when <br />a representative was found guilty <br />of accepting a bribe while holding office.<br />The last time was in 2016, when <br />another representative was expelled amid <br />allegations of sexual harassment.<br />GOP lawmakers have cited Article II, Section 12 of the <br />Tennessee Constitution, which states that the House can , “punish its members for disorderly behavior, and, <br />with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel a member.”.<br />GOP lawmakers have cited Article II, Section 12 of the <br />Tennessee Constitution, which states that the House can , “punish its members for disorderly behavior, and, <br />with the concurrence of two-thirds, expel a member.”.<br />CNN reports that Republicans hold control of the <br />Tennessee House of Representatives with 75 members, <br />compared to just 23 Democrats and one vacant seat.<br />CNN reports that Republicans hold control of the <br />Tennessee House of Representatives with 75 members, <br />compared to just 23 Democrats and one vacant seat
