Silencing of Montana Transgender Lawmaker Sparks Controversy

Montana's first openly transgender lawmaker, Rep. Zooey Zephyr, has been silenced by Republican leaders after she refused to apologize for saying lawmakers would have "blood on their hands" if they passed a ban on gender-affirming health care. Montana is among a wave of states passing legislation that opponents say could put transgender teens in jeopardy. The House speaker said he won't let Zephyr speak on the chamber floor until she apologizes. Conservatives formed the Montana Freedom Caucus in January, and it includes at least 21 of the Legislature's 102 GOP lawmakers.