Transgender lawmaker denied return to Montana House floor

A Montana judge has denied transgender state Rep. Zooey Zephyr's request to return to the House floor after she was barred by Republican colleagues over remarks on gender-affirming care legislation. The judge cited the separation of powers and suggested that what she was seeking was outside the scope of the court's authority. Zephyr had sued in state court challenging her censure for telling fellow lawmakers that a bill to ban gender-affirming care would leave “blood” on their hands. The lawsuit listed House Speaker Matt Regier and Sergeant-at-Arms Brad Murfitt as defendants and alleged that House leaders' actions violated Zephyr's First Amendment rights and the rights of her constituents to representation in their state government.