Transgender Montana Lawmaker Sues Over Censure and Removal from House Floor

Montana state representative Zooey Zephyr, who is transgender, has filed a lawsuit against House leaders after being barred from participating in deliberations in the House chamber for making comments in opposition to a ban on hormone treatments and surgical care for transgender minors. Zephyr argues that her free speech rights were violated and that the rights of her 11,000 constituents were also violated. The increase in state legislation to restrict gender-affirming care for transgender minors is part of a long-term campaign by national conservative organizations. The state’s legislative session is set to end on Friday.