HELENA, Mont. — The latest high-profile example of state legislative leadership deciding who can be heard during statehouse debates is playing out in Montana where a transgender lawmaker was silenced by Republican leaders for a second day Friday, April 21, 2023.

Rep. Zooey Zephyr, who was deliberately referred to using male pronouns by conservative colleagues, says she won’t apologize for telling lawmakers they would have “blood on their hands” if they voted for a bill banning gender-affirming care.

The measure has passed and is in the hands of the governor, who has indicated he will sign it.

Montana is among a wave of states passing legislation that opponents say could put transgender teens in jeopardy.

Montana’s House speaker said he won’t let Zephyr speak on the chamber floor until she apologizes. (AP)