It has been reported that one of the two Tennessee state representatives who were removed from office after storming the Tennessee state house has been reinstated.
Nashville’s Democratic Metro Council unanimously voted to reappoint Representative Justin Jones. CNN reports that the Metro Council in Nashville, Tennessee, decided to ignore a policy that would have prevented the same person from being nominated and appointed to the position at the same meeting.
Jones was unanimously reappointed to his former position by a vote of 36-0 in the Council.
According to WTVF, Mayor John Cooper of Nashville declared, “This vote was unprecedented” during the meeting. Let the people of this district have their say again. I’m addressing this assembly to restore their right to free expression.
Until a special election can be called, Jones will act as the 52nd district’s representative. According to The Tennessean, Jones can run for reelection.
Jones, along with colleague Democratic Representative Justin J.Pearson, was kicked out of the State House last week for violating decorum rules when they led pro-gun-reform demonstrators in chanting in the chamber during a legislative session. Jones, in particular, used a bullhorn to yell despite being unable to be heard. Jones was removed from office by a vote of 72 to 25 by the Republican majority in the State House.