Transgender lawmaker denied return to Montana House floor

A Montana judge has denied a request by state Rep. Zooey Zephyr to restore her access to the House floor after she was banned by state House Republicans for the rest of this year’s legislative session. Zephyr, the first openly transgender woman elected to Montana’s legislature, had said GOP lawmakers would have “blood” on their hands for passing bills restricting transgender rights and rallied protesters when state House Speaker Matt Regier blocked her from being recognized to speak. While she is able to retain her seat and cast votes remotely, she is not able to participate in debates for the remainder of the legislative session.