‘Cowardice, ‘hypocrisy’: Missoula officials call out GOP actions on Zephyr

DAVID ERICKSON

Two of Missoula’s top elected officials have sided with a Missoula state lawmaker in her clash with the Republican majority in the Montana House of Representatives as the issue continues to make national headlines.

Rep. Zooey Zephyr, D-Missoula, is a transgender progressive who has been silenced by the GOP majority in the House after she made comments in opposition to a bill that would restrict gender-affirming care for minors.

Missoula Mayor Jordan Hess and Missoula County Commissioner Josh Slotnick, both Democrats, responded to news on Wednesday that the House might censure or expel Zephyr. (Shortly after they spoke on the subject, the Montana House voted to ban Zephyr from the chamber.)

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“So I think this is a story of courage and cowardice,” Slotnick said. “Imagine being in a room that large with a huge crowd full of people who don’t believe you have a right to exist and still having the personal wherewithal to stand up and speak. It’s a tremendous amount of courage and Rep. Zephyr’s effort needs to be applauded for that.”

Slotnick doesn’t believe what House Speaker Matt Regier, R-Kalispell, did (not allowing Zephyr

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