Protesters storm Montana Capitol over censure of transgender lawmaker

Protesters entered the Montana House of Representatives on Monday in support of a transgender lawmaker whom state Republicans censured over contentious remarks during a debate over a ban on certain gender-related treatments.

Democrat state Rep. Zooey Zephyr, a transgender individual, said that supporters of the bill would have "blood on their hands."

"The only thing I will say, is if you vote yes on this bill and yes on these amendments, I hope the next time there's an invocation when you bow your heads in prayer, you see the blood on your hands," Zephyr said, ultimately prompting a censure from the chamber.

Video footage emerged on the demonstration on Monday within the gallery shouting "let her speak!" in apparent reference to the censure of Zephyr.

BREAKING: The Montana House of Representatives has been overrun by left-wing “protesters” after the censure of transgender Democrat Zooey Zephyr for telling Republican colleagues they have "blood on their hands" for passing anti-child mutilation bills. pic.twitter.com/ifVOrsJrHR

— Charlie Kirk (@charliekirk11) April 24, 2023

 From the footage, it does not appear that any demonstrators reached the House floor.

Montana lawmakers have backed the "Youth Health Protection Act," which would bar hormone therapies and gender surgeries for minors within the state.

Both chambers of the legislature have approved the measure, though Republican Gov. Greg Gianforte has proposed amendments to explicitly include a "necessary binary" definition of male and female and to bar state funding for those gender treatments, according to the Associated Press. He has expressed support for the ban's ultimate passage.

Ben Whedon is an editor and reporter for Just the News. Follow him on Twitter.