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'Vote Them Out': Tennessee GOP Ends Special Session Without Major Gun Reforms
"The biggest consequence from this whole session is the embarrassment of the General Assembly through offensive measures used to keep people out of the building, silence members of the House, and eject grieving moms from committees," said one Democratic lawmaker.
Aug 29, 2023
The Tennessee General Assembly's special session on public safety ended Tuesday with weeping parents and chants of "vote them out" after the Republican-controlled Legislature refused to pass significant gun violence prevention measures.
GOP Gov. Bill Lee
called the special session earlier this month amid mounting demands for stricter state gun laws in the wake of a shooter killing three children and three adults at the Covenant School, a Christian elementary school in Nashville, in March.
"We had high hopes that after the shooting at Covenant School, politicians would understand the urgent need to prevent another senseless tragedy. They had the opportunity to do the right thing and once again, they failed to act," said Zack Maaieh, head of the Students Demand Action Tennessee chapter and a student at Vanderbilt University, in a statement.
"Despite their inaction, we showed the power of our voices—refusing to back down even as mothers were being forcibly removed from hearings—and lawmakers were forced to reject a bill to arm teachers and put more guns in our schools," Maaieh continued. "But we aren't going anywhere—we'll be back in January, showing out in droves to demand that lawmakers advance gun safety laws that protect our right to live and if they refuse to listen, we'll come for their seats next November."
The Washington Postnoted that "even before the session began, GOP leaders quashed Lee's proposal for an extreme-risk protection order law that would have prevented mentally unstable individuals from possessing guns for a limited period."
According to the Tennessee Lookout:
Ultimately, the Senate concurred with a House version of a weapons storage bill that will offer sales tax breaks on gun safes and gun locks, in addition to spending $1.1 million for a public service campaign to give away gun locks.
As part of an agreement to adjourn, the Senate also opted to pass the House's version of a spending bill that will put $30 million toward safety upgrades at state universities, $12 million toward behavioral health staff, and $4 million into behavioral health safety grants, in addition to $50 million for community mental health agencies, with the latter money coming from a TennCare fund. Another $10 million will be spent on school safety officers, mainly for charter schools.
The Senate also went along with House versions of a human trafficking bill and a measure to codify the governor's executive order on background checks.
"While we are encouraged by proposals meant to promote the secure storage of firearms, this session fell woefully short, so we're tracking votes, we're taking names, and we will show up to the ballot box to vote out lawmakers who refuse to take action to save lives," said Moms Demand Action volunteer Leeann Hewlett.
Sarah Shoop Neumann, a Covenant mother who sobbed outside the House chamber Tuesday morning, responded similarly, telling The Tennessean, "We held a special session following the extraordinary tragedy of a mass shooting that took place at the Covenant School, and we took no meaningful action."
"The divisiveness we have all witnessed makes us long for a unified community. We need legislators on both sides of the aisle to be able to have respectful, thoughtful debate regarding potential solutions to end gun violence," she said, adding that legislators who don't want to work together "do not deserve a seat in the House or the Senate."
"We will work towards ensuring every one of those seats is replaced by someone who has a true desire to listen to their constituents over firearm association lobbyists," she vowed. "We will be back in January."
Describing the special session as "a farce," State Sen. Jeff Yarbro (D-21) said that "the biggest consequence from this whole session is the embarrassment of the General Assembly through offensive measures used to keep people out of the building, silence members of the House, and eject grieving moms from committees."
As Common Dreams previously reported, the Tennessee House's GOP supermajority on Monday barred state Rep. Jones (D-52) from speaking after House Speaker Cameron Sexton (R-25) determined that he violated the chamber's rules—which came shortly after the Democratic lawmaker announced plans to call for a vote of no confidence targeting the Republican speaker.
A member of the "Tennessee Three," Jones was expelled from the House in April alongside Rep. Justin Pearson (D-86) over a gun control protest at the chamber; Republican lawmakers narrowly voted against also expelling Rep. Gloria Johnson (D-13).
Both Jones and Pearson were ultimately reelected to their seats. Carrying signs demanding action on gun violence, the pair attempted to approach as the special session ended Tuesday—and the speaker appeared to shoulder-check Pearson.
The Lookout reported that Pearson said Sexton "leaned his shoulder into me and then one of his minions pushed me toward the clerk," while the speaker claimed his security guard nudged him into Pearson and the lawmaker then pushed him.
"It looks like Justin Pearson could file charges for that assault the speaker committed as well as Jason Zachary," Johnson said on social media, referring to a Republican from District 14. "The speaker literally tucked his shoulder to go in on Rep Pearson."
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'You Are Beautiful. You Are Loved': Allies Show Solidarity on Transgender Day of Visibility
"It is time for the long history of assaults—legislative, physical, social, and verbal—against trans women and girls to end."
Mar 31, 2021
Democratic elected officials, LGBTQ leaders and allies, and human rights defenders of many stripes on Wednesday expressed their support for trans people on International Transgender Day of Visibility, acts of solidarity that stood in stark contrast with Republican-led legislation and other efforts to deny rights, privileges, and even the humanity of more than 1.5 million Americans.
"The crisis of violence against transgender women, especially transgender women of color, is a stain on our nation's conscience."
--President Joe Biden
In a complete reversal from the anti-trans policies of the Trump administration, President Joe Biden issued the first-ever presidential proclamation to "honor and celebrate the achievements and resiliency of transgender individuals and communities" on Transgender Day of Visibility.
"Their trailblazing work has given countless transgender individuals the bravery to live openly and authentically," the proclamation states. "This hard-fought progress is also shaping an increasingly accepting world in which peers at school, teammates and coaches on the playing field, colleagues at work, and allies in every corner of society are standing in support and solidarity with the transgender community."
\u201cTransgender rights are human rights \u2014 and I\u2019m calling on every American to join me in uplifting the worth and dignity of transgender Americans. Together, we can stamp out discrimination and deliver on our nation\u2019s promise of freedom and equality for all. #TransDayofVisibility\u201d— President Biden (@President Biden) 1617198308
"In spite of our progress in advancing civil rights for LGBTQ+ Americans, too many transgender people--adults and youth alike--still face systemic barriers to freedom and equality," it continues. "Transgender Americans of all ages face high rates of violence, harassment, and discrimination. Nearly one in three transgender Americans have experienced homelessness at some point in life. Transgender Americans continue to face discrimination in employment, housing, healthcare, and public accommodations."
"The crisis of violence against transgender women, especially transgender women of color, is a stain on our nation's conscience," asserts the proclamation. "The Biden-Harris administration is committed to fulfilling the promise of America for all Americans by stamping out discrimination and delivering freedom and equality for all."
Noting that he signed an executive order aimed at preventing discrimination based on gender identity or sexual orientation on his first day in office, Biden then urges passage of the Equality Act--approved by the House of Representatives last month--"to more fully protect the civil rights of transgender Americans."
Numerous Democratic lawmakers marked the day with messages of solidarity--and with action.
\u201cOn #TransDayOfVisibility, we make it clear to every trans person across the country and the world:\n\nYou are beautiful. You are loved. And at a time of so much hatred, know that there are so many of us who have your back.\u201d— Cori Bush (@Cori Bush) 1617207855
\u201cIt's #TransDayofVisiblity and trans lives matter today and every day.\n\nTo our trans community: we see you, we value you, and we'll keep fighting to ensure you can live and thrive exactly as you are.\u201d— Rep. Mondaire Jones (@Rep. Mondaire Jones) 1617217201
Sen. Ed Markey (D-Mass.) and Rep. Chris Pappas (D-N.Y.) introduced legislation that would ban use of the so-called "gay panic" and "trans panic" defenses in federal court. Markey said such dubious legal strategies "only encourage systemic bigotry, corrode the legitimacy of federal prosecutions, and blame victims for the violence committed against them."
Democratic Reps. Jennifer Wexton (Va.), Pramila Jayapal (Wash.), and Marie Newman (Ill.)--leaders of the Transgender Equality Task Force--led a resolution "supporting the ideals and goals" of Transgender Day of Visibility.
"As the proud parent of a transgender child, I am honoring this Transgender Day of Visibility by committing to taking on the urgent legislative work necessary to finally guarantee that every transgender person can live freely as themselves and free from discrimination," Jayapal said in a statement announcing the resolution. "This is a pivotal moment in our fight for equality, and I stand with my child and every LGBTQ+ person in America as we defeat hate, end discrimination, and secure full civil rights across this country."
\u201cThe Trans community is integral to the fight for gender liberation and it was an honor to work with so many powerful feminists and feminist-led organizations on this effort. It's just the start! #TransDayOfVisibility https://t.co/MglxRh5K7u\u201d— Raquel Willis (she/her) (@Raquel Willis (she/her)) 1617200708
Hundreds of feminist leaders signed an open letter authored by Black trans activist Raquel Willis and the LGBTQ advocacy group GLAAD in observance of Women's History Month and Transgender Day of Visibility.
"We acknowledge with clarity and strength that transgender women are women and that transgender girls are girls," states the letter, whose prominent signers include Gloria Steinem, Laverne Cox, Selena Gomez, and Halle Berry. "All of us deserve the same access, freedoms, and opportunities. We deserve equal access to education, employment, healthcare, housing, recreation, and public accommodations. And we must respect each person's right to bodily autonomy and self-determination."
The letter continues:
It is time for the long history of assaults--legislative, physical, social, and verbal--against trans women and girls to end. For far too long, lawmakers have worked to strip trans women of their civil liberties--in 2021, once again, we've seen a wave of bigoted governmental policies and legislation. Many of these laws target the rights of girls to play school sports or criminalize doctors for treating trans youth and their families...
These bigoted efforts are also aided by a contingent of self-identified feminists, who have been promoting damaging and violent ideas about trans people for years in the United States and internationally. Their vitriol is, in fact, not feminist at all. True feminists do not wish to limit any woman's identity or freedom to fully be herself. Allowing transphobic rhetoric to go unchecked also strengthens the legislative efforts of anti-trans politicians--who now cloak their bigotry in language about protecting or supporting women.
Further, all verbal attacks support the ongoing epidemic of murder and violence plaguing Black and Latinx trans women--2020 was the deadliest year on record for the transgender community, seeing more than 44 killings, and, so far, there have been at least nine deaths reported this year.
"We all must fight against the unnecessary and unethical barriers placed on trans women and girls by lawmakers and those who co-opt the feminist label in the name of division and hatred," the letter concludes.
Other prominent figures, from governors to mayors to former NBA superstar Dwayne Wade--whose daughter is trans--also expressed their support for transgender equality.
\u201cToday is International Transgender Day of Visibility\n\nD-Wade is using his voice to be an ally for the transgender community\u201d— Bleacher Report (@Bleacher Report) 1617211358
Wednesday's outpouring of trans solidarity occurred against a backdrop of a wave of GOP-led anti-transgender legislation across the nation. More than 50 bills in 28 states attempting to prohibit trans youth from participating on teams reflecting their gender identity have been passed or introduced this year.
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Championing Female Voters as Powerful 'Supermajority,' Organizers Launch Movement to Fight for Women's Agenda
"One of us can be dismissed. Two can be dismissed. But together, we aren't just the majority, we are a Supermajority—and we are unstoppable."
Apr 29, 2019
Several influential progressive women on Monday launched a new grassroots movement aimed at building on the energy and political power of American women, who make up the majority of the U.S. population, voters, and grassroots donors--forming what the group calls a "Supermajority."
Created by former Planned Parenthood president Cecile Richards, Black Lives Matter co-founder Alicia Garza, and National Domestic Workers Alliance director Ai-jen Poo, the Supermajority is aimed at building on the political power women have demonstrated since President Donald Trump was elected in 2016.
"In many ways, women have been doing all this work--whether it's running their PTA, or organizing around reproductive healthcare--but we haven't been doing it together." --Cecile Richards, Supermajority co-founder"In the past two years, we've seen what happens when women mobilize," reads a statement on the group's website. "Women donated $100 million more to campaigns and causes in 2018 than they did in 2016. We've been the majority of voters in every national election since 1964. In 2018, women helped elect a Congress with a record-breaking 127 women members."
"Women are on the cusp of becoming the most powerful force in America," the statement adds. "But to fundamentally transform this country, we need to work together."
The group launched with a video featuring its slogan, taken from Richards' speech at the Women's March in 2017: "One of us can be dismissed. Two can be dismissed. But together, we aren't just the majority, we are a Supermajority--and we are unstoppable."
\u201cLet\u2019s be powerful together. https://t.co/aONH0Seml1\u201d— Supermajority (@Supermajority) 1556535601
The Supermajority plans to gather the input of millions of women across the country in order to "create a women's agenda that puts our issues first--from economic equity and opportunity to dignity and safety on the job to keeping families and communities safe."
Headed by women who have dedicated their careers to organizing around causes affecting marginalized communities, the group also plans to provide on-the-ground training to women who are new to activism and include a "Supermajority Education Fund" which will research and educate women about civic participation, visibility, and political power.
"We've spent the last year going around the country to all kinds of communities--urban, suburban, rural--and talking to women, listening to their stories," Poo told CNN's "New Day" on Monday morning. "And it's been so inspiring. They're already much more engaged in unprecedented ways...and they want to do more. They don't want to stop here, they want to do more and they want to be connected."
\u201c"This effort, 'Supermajority,' is a home for women's activism. We share a set of values that we think the majority of the country shares." @CecileRichards, @aliciagarza and @aijenpoo on co-founding @supermajority, an organization encouraging women to get involved in politics.\u201d— CNN This Morning (@CNN This Morning) 1556543839
The group argues that while women have become more politically engaged in recent years, there hasn't yet been a platform where they can join together to build on and learn from one another's efforts and activism.
"In many ways, women have been doing all this work--whether it's running their PTA, or organizing around reproductive healthcare--but we haven't been doing it together," Richards told the Washington Post. "What are we going to do to make this moment not something that is just a fleeting flash point of activism, but actually creating a permanent organizing ability for women?"
On social media, one supporter of the new movement likened its agenda to a "Women's New Deal," aimed at pushing for affordable childcare, universal healthcare, pay equity, and other reforms that would help American women--and the rest of the country.
\u201cThe Women's New Deal! \u201cWomen are mad as hell and we\u2019ve been in resistance mode for two years. Now it\u2019s time to equip people.\u201d @supermajority #txlege\u201d— Donna Howard (@Donna Howard) 1556537522
"There's a majority of Americans who want to see better, affordable healthcare, there's a majority of Americans that are impacted by childcare issues and elder care issues," Garza told CNN. "These are issues that are often sidelined as women's issues or special interests but what the Supermajority is saying is actually these are issues that are impacting all Americans and they should be addressed as the national issues and the national emergencies that they are."
In its statement of values, the Supermajority writes that women's equity is essential to "fighting for the basic human needs of all people, including universal healthcare, public education, a living wage, a clean environment, and affordable housing."
On Twitter, other influential women applauded the group for creating a new space in the political landscape in which women can work together to fight for economic, political, and social justice.
\u201cIf the news makes you ask yourself, \u201cWhat should I be doing right now?\u201d @Supermajority is a new community of women who will help you discover the answer. Become a founding member at https://t.co/hn4jjdfEZm\u201d— Gloria Steinem (@Gloria Steinem) 1556550077
\u201cWomen\u2019s issues are for everyone. Looking forward to supporting @supermajority and joining with women and their allies to promote political activism and engagement! #supermajority\u201d— Billie Jean King (@Billie Jean King) 1556550775
\u201cWomen across the country are bringing transformative change to communities & together we are a political force that will shape 2019, 2020 & beyond. Check out @Supermajority, a new organization made for women, by women. Join: https://t.co/dWG6Dy13en\u201d— Cristina Jim\u00e9nez (she/ella) (@Cristina Jim\u00e9nez (she/ella)) 1556551274
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