The second of two Black Democrats expelled from the Republican-led Tennessee House will return to the Legislature after a Memphis commission voted to reinstate him Wednesday, nearly a week after his banishment for supporting gun control protesters propelled him into the national spotlight.
Justin Pearson, expelled from the Tennessee House, will return to the Legislature after a Memphis commission voted to reinstate him Wednesday.The Shelby County Board of Commissioners on Wednesday voted to confirm the reappointment of Justin J. Pearson to the Tennessee House of Representatives, sending him back to fill the House District 86 seat as an interim representative.
Shelby County commissioners voted Wednesday on appointing Pearson to the House District 86 seat, which the 28-year-old vacated last week when he was forced out in a two-thirds majority vote by the GOP-dominated body after he and two Democratic colleagues participated in a demonstration calling for gun reform on the chamber floor.A rally in support of Pearson took place about a mile away at the National Civil Rights Museum before the Shelby County Board of Commissioners met at 1:30 p.m.
Tennessee law allows local legislative bodies to appoint interim House members to fill the seats of expelled lawmakers until an election is held, and the vote to appoint Pearson had been expected to follow a similar process to Jones' earlier this week. "I am certain that the leaders in the State Capitol understand the importance of this action on behalf of the affected citizens here in Shelby County, Tennessee and that we stand ready to work in concert with them to assist with only positive outcomes going forward," Lowery's statement said.
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Justin Pearson returned to Tennessee House by Memphis commission: ‘You can’t expel justice’The second of two Black Democrats expelled from the Republican-led Tennessee House will return to the Legislature after a Memphis commission voted to reinstate him Wednesday, nearly a week after his banishment.
Read more »
Memphis Council to Vote on Reinstating Ousted Democrat Justin Pearson to Tennessee HouseJustin Pearson and a colleague were kicked out of the Legislature last Thursday following their support of gun control protesters. The Shelby County Board of Commissioners set a vote Wednesday. The vote will determine whether Pearson is sent back to the Legislature in Nashville.
Read more »
Memphis commissioners reappoint ousted representative Justin Pearson to Tennessee HouseUPDATE: Justin Pearson has been reinstated to Tennessee's legislature after being expelled for protesting gun violence.
Read more »
Memphis commissioners appoint Justin J. Pearson to Tennessee HouseThe Shelby County Board of Commissioners has voted to appoint Justin J. Pearson to the Tennessee House of Representatives seat he was expelled from last week. Follow here for live updates.
Read more »
Memphis panel unanimously votes to reinstate state Rep. Justin Pearson to Tennessee HouseA Memphis, Tennessee panel reinstated state Democratic legislator Justin Pearson on Wednesday in a unanimous vote, after he was expelled from his seat for 'disorderly behavior.'
Read more »