Zephyr was punished because conservatives are opposed to transgender surgery for minors.
On Tuesday, a judge ruled that Zooey Zephyr, a transgender lawmaker from Montana, must be disqualified from future legislative service. Republicans criticized her for saying that people who were against transgender youngsters undergoing surgery were responsible for their deaths.
Judge Mike Menahan of the District Court in Montana heard the state’s case against Zephyr’s appeal. Menahan said on the House floor that he couldn’t readmit Zephyr because he didn’t have the power to do so.
Five pages later, he concluded that “would require this court to interfere with legislative authority in a way that goes beyond this court’s authority.”
Telling the Associated Press, “it’s a really sad day for the country,” Zephyr expressed his sorrow. The problem can be solved by the majority just ignoring the minority’s objections.
A transgender Democrat lawmaker named Zephyr caused a sensation when she claimed that her colleagues who voted for a measure banning medical treatment for transitioning youths would have blood on their hands.
Zephyr said, “The only thing I will say is that if you vote yes on this bill and yes on these amendments, I hope the next time there is an invocation and you bow your heads in prayer, you see the blood on your hands.”
A public statement of regret was requested. Instead, a committee led by Republicans voted 68-32 last week to defund Zephyr. No lobby or corridor access to Zephyr will prevent voting.
The state’s lawyers said it would be a misuse of the court’s power to intervene on Zephyr’s behalf.
Montana’s AG, Austin Knudsen, praised the decision as a triumph for the rule of law and the constitutional principle of separation of powers.
Alex Rate, a lawyer for Zephyr, claims that an appeal is being considered.