Having previously faced expulsion from Tennessee’s legislative chamber, state Representative Justin Jones has lodged a federal lawsuit against the Speaker of the House, Cameron Sexton, and additional House officials. Jones claims that recurrent intrusions on his constitutional rights have occurred, as indicated by court documents.
The lawsuit, presented within the Middle District of Tennessee, maintains allegations that a repeated infringement on Jones’ federal and state constitution rights have transpired, owing to attempts by the defendants to hinder Jones’ expression on significant issues.
In his legal outcry, Jones is lobbying for a court order that would bar the Speaker of the House from impeding his speeches on the House floor, restore his committee assignments, and renounce and denounce his expulsion as unconstitutional. Several other officials, including the state House chief clerk, chief sergeant at arms, and assistant chief clerk and parliamentarian, emerge as co-defendants in this matter.
Championing the cause of those he represents, Jones stated, “The constituency of District 52 are entitled to voice their concerns without the looming threat of undemocratic suppression and retribution.” Unfortunately, he has yet to receive a response from the Speaker’s office.
In an incident that happened in April, Jones received an eviction from his position as the representative for District 52 in the Tennessee House. This drastic measure was executed after a vocal call for gun reform by Jones and two other Democrats – Justin Pearson and Gloria Johnson. Their stance sparked during a protest on the House floor, instigated by the tragic shooting incident at a private Christian school in Nashville on March 27, which led to the death of three children and three adults.
Interestingly, the GOP supermajority pointed towards a breach of decorum as their rationale behind the expulsion vote. Pearson, a Black representative, and Johnson, a White woman, were also faced with expulsion votes, with only Pearson losing his seat.
However, this deterrence proved fleeting as Jones and Pearson reclaimed their seats following a special election conducted shortly after their initial removal.
Further controversy arose in August when Jones was ruled as out of order twice during a debate by Speaker Sexton. This triggered an automatic vote to mute Jones for the day. Passing with a 70-20 vote along party lines, the result incited a walkout protest by Democrats.
