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Who is Zooey Zephyr? Montana transgender state representative banned from House floor
CBSN
Montana State Rep. Zooey Zephyr, the state's first transgender lawmaker, was barred by the Republican-controlled House from participating on the House floor for the remainder of the 2023 session. Zephyr, who will be allowed to vote on legislation remotely, called the decision "a disturbing affront to democracy" and vowed to stay committed to serving her community.
Zephyr, 34, ran for office in 2022, describing herself as a "progressive, bisexual trans woman" who wanted to run because she believes the best way "to fight for social and economic justice is to get into the room where the laws are being written."
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This story previously aired on Feb. 10, 2024. It was updated on Feb. 15, 2025. AMIE HARWICK (video): You can seek therapy to address an issue like depression, anxiety, a breakup. You can also seek therapy to be a better you! GARETH PURSEHOUSE (voicemail): I have so much I need to say. Please give me a chance to just say it. … Please (crying) please.
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Signaling a major shift in civil rights enforcement, the federal agency that enforces workplace anti-discrimination laws has moved to dismiss six of its own cases on behalf of workers alleging gender identity discrimination, arguing that the cases now conflict with President Donald Trump's recent executive order, court documents say.