FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:

April 7, 2023

MEDIA CONTACT: 

e: brian.phillips@mail.house.gov

c: 202.913.0126

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Today, Congresswoman Yvette D. Clare (NY-09), First Vice Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, released the below statement following the unprecedented expulsion of two representatives from the Tennessee General Assembly for “disorderly behavior” for their role in leading a protest calling for gun reform:

“Last night, the Republican majority in the Tennessee State Legislature decided to openly defy their Constitutional responsibilities and disregard the right to dissent in a democracy. To expel Tennessee State Representatives Justin Pearson and Justin Jones for standing with and amplifying peaceful protesters demanding meaningful gun reform is an unprecedented and radical shift away from the democratic values, rules and traditions our nation was founded upon. This is a democracy. Exercising one Constitutional right to peacefully assemble and protest is not subordinate to the right to the Second Amendment. They were exercising their first amendment right and for that, these young, Black, duly elected men were expelled. They were stripped of their franchise, thereby disenfranchising the people they represent.” 

Real change happens when we call attention to a problem, hold our elected leaders accountable and create meaningful solutions and laws to make every community safer. An overwhelming majority of Americans believe we must have common sense gun control reforms. It’s past time leaders on both sides of the aisle come together to help save lives and curb America’s gun violence epidemic.”

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Congresswoman Yvette D. Clarke has been in Congress since 2007. She represents New York’s Ninth Congressional District, which includes Central and South Brooklyn and serves as First Vice Chair of the Congressional Black Caucus.