STATEMENT: Congresswoman Delia Ramirez Statement Following Unjust Expulsion of Black Lawmakers Exercising Free Speech in Support of Gun Reform After Tragic School Shooting in Nashville

For Immediate Release 

Chicago, IL: Today, Congresswoman Delia Ramirez (IL-03) released the following statement after the Republican-controlled Tennessee legislature expelled TN Rep. Justin Jones (D-Nashville) and TN Rep. Justin J. Pearson (D-Memphis):

“The expulsion of TN Rep. Jones (D-Nashville) and TN Rep. Pearson (D-Memphis), two Black elected officials, from the Tennessee state legislature, is anti-Democratic, bare-faced racism. State Representatives Jones, Pearson, and Johnson unapologetically voiced their support for gun reform one week after six more lives were lost to the senseless gun violence crisis in our country and following an organized call to action led by children advocating for gun reform in Tennessee. An assault weapons ban would save lives and the Republican majority in Tennessee failed to use its control of the state legislature to take any such action. Instead, Republicans are only acting on racism, suppression of free speech, and answering to their gun lobby donors. It’s plain to see and we cannot be silent while Republicans try to destroy the fabric of our democracy.”

On Thursday, April 6, 2023, the Republican-majority in the Tennessee House of Representatives brought forward votes to expel three Democratic members, TN State Representatives Jones, Pearson, and Johnson. Only TN Reps. Jones and Pearson were ultimately expelled. 

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