Protecting the Principles of Representative Democracy

"This unprecedented action undermines the integrity of our legislative process and sets a dangerous and unconstitutional precedent."
- Charlice Byrd

Today I took the well to speak about the ban and subsequent arrest of Senator Colton Moore. Read my statement below or watch the video recording here.

Friends, yesterday what I witnessed outside those doors marks a dark and troubling moment. The arrest of the Senator from the 53rd following his ban from entering the house chamber after making a statement that was met with disapproval, strikes at the heart of our Democratic principles.

This unprecedented action undermines the integrity of our legislative process and sets a dangerous and unconstitutional precedent. When a duly elected member of the general assembly is barred from fulfilling his duties, when differences of opinion lead to exclusion and arrest, rather than open dialogue, we erode the very foundation of our Republic. This is about more than one individual it is about protecting the principles of representative democracy and ensuring that every voice elected to this body has the opportunity to be heard.

Let us reflect on the gravity of this moment and commit ourselves to a upholding the rights and freedoms that define us as a station as a state and a nation.