The three State Representatives that the Tennessee House of Representatives sought to punish are not only exercising their own right to free speech, they are channeling their constituentsβ anger, concern, and desire to act in favor of gun safety. They are representing the will of the people of their districts. In a very real sense, expelling them is not just meant to silence the individuals β it is also meant to punish and disenfranchise the people for which they speak.
As Unitarian Universalists, our religious tradition and our Principles affirm the inherent worth and dignity of every person, and the right of conscience and the use of the democratic process in society at large. This means not only calling out acts of racism and authoritarianism, it means working to actively organize for justice and equity for all people, and mobilizing to protect and expand democracy.
We express our full solidarity with the constituents who may have lost their voice in the Tennessee House this week but are finding ways to express their need for justice and change. We offer our support to the civil rights leaders, the young people, the faith community, and all who are mobilizing against this injustice in Tennessee.
Link to the full statement: https://bit.ly/3Mn5SST
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Expelling the Tennessee Representatives is meant to punish and disenfranchise the people for which they speak.
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