Democracy is in danger in Tennessee.
On Monday evening, April 3, Tennessee House Republicans introduced resolutions to expel Rep Gloria Johnson (Knoxville), Rep Justin Jones (Nashville), and Rep Justin Pearson (Memphis) from the state legislature for speaking out about gun violence on the House Floor.
On Thursday, April 6, the resolutions will be taken up in the 9 am House Session.
According to the ACLU, “Attempting to expel three lawmakers without due process for amplifying the voices of their constituents in a peaceful, non-violent manner undermines democracy. Instead of rushing to expel members for expressing their ethical convictions about crucial social issues, House leadership should turn to solving the real challenges facing our state.”
It’s time for Democrats in Sumner County to take action! Call and email your representative and encourage them to vote against the expulsion.
Not sure what to say? Here are some ideas.
Introduce yourself and your city/town, then say, “Tomorrow morning, there will be a vote to expel reps Gloria Johnson, Justin Pearson, and Justin Jones from the House. This is incredibly disturbing and anti-democratic. These representatives were elected by the people to serve us, and political games shouldn’t interfere with fair election outcomes. Will you commit to voting against these expulsions?”
Follow up:
“State Representatives Gloria Johnson, Justin Jones, and Justin Pearson were democratically elected and are representing their constituents. A vote to expel them would stop our democratic system in its tracks! Your constituents demand you respect the voters – please vote AGAINST expulsion. Thank you.”
CALL YOUR REPS!
Johnny Garrett, District 45: (615) 741-3893, rep.johnny.garrett@capitol.tn.gov
William Lamberth, District 44: (615) 741-1980, rep.william.lamberth@capitol.tn.gov
William Slater, District 35: (615) 741-2534, rep.william.slater@capitol.tn.gov