The Montana Freedom Caucus demands Representative Zooey Zephyr of Missoula’s House District 100 be censured by the House for attempting to shame the Montana legislative body and by using inappropriate and uncalled-for language during a floor debate over amendments concerning Senate Bill 99 – to ban sex changes of minor children.

This bill already passed the Montana House and Senate, and the debate was over amendments requested by the Governor. The amendments were concurred in on a 66-34 vote. This bill is important because it protects minor children from forced life-altering and unnecessary surgical procedures. 

During the debate, Representative Zephyr closed an argument by stating “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.” See the video HERE.

The caucus agreed with Majority Leader Sue Vinton when she immediately stood up to state, “We can debate matters civilly and with respect for each other.” 

While individual legislators have condemned his behavior, the legislature itself has not yet issued a collective statement acknowledging the wrongdoing and upholding a commitment to civil discourse.

This kind of hateful rhetoric from an elected official is exactly why tragedies such as the Covenant Christian School shooting in Nashville occurred. Combined with former Montana Supreme Court Justice Jim Nelson’s recent calls for “jihad” and a “fight to the death,” there is unmistakable evidence of a desire for some to engage in violence over political beliefs. This must stop. 

The Montana Freedom Caucus are members of the Montana Legislature who are advocating for limited government, lower taxes, and accountability and integrity in government.