“Tennessee Republicans may be able to expel two Democratic lawmakers, but they will never silence the demand for safety from gun violence for our children and for our communities. 

"And Tennessee Republicans may have stripped thousands of constituents of their representation in the State House, but their egregious violation of First Amendment rights will not stand. 

“America’s moms are horrified by the assault on democracy, free speech, and common decency that took place in Tennessee today. Expelling two lawmakers – both Black men – who spoke out in support of moms, students, parents, teachers, and others who were protesting gun violence is racist,  disgraceful, wildly disproportionate, and stunningly undemocratic. It is a transparent, disgraceful attempt to distract from state lawmakers’ failure to protect children and adults in the state from the ravages of assault weapons and from gun violence generally.

“In the wake of the mass shooting at a Nashville elementary school last week that took six lives, including those of three 9-year-olds, Tennesseans – and the entire country – were in tremendous pain and calling out for reform. Instead of listening, reflecting, showing some grace, and taking action, Republicans in the state disgraced themselves and their office. They will not prevail.”