Seven individuals arrested for protesting the silencing of Zephyr in the state House will not face legal repercussions.

Montana prosecutors have decided not to pursue misdemeanor trespassing charges against seven individuals who were arrested for protesting the actions of Republican lawmakers in the state House. The protesters had gathered in the gallery to show their support for transgender lawmaker Zooey Zephyr, who was denied the right to debate bills near the end of the 2023 legislative session.

Zephyr, who made history as the first openly transgender lawmaker in Montana, was silenced by Republican legislators after speaking out against a bill that would restrict access to gender-affirming care for minors. The protestors, who were upset by the silencing of Zephyr, were arrested for trespassing but will now face no further legal action following the decision by prosecutors.

This move has sparked reactions from both supporters and critics of the transgender lawmaker. Advocates for Zephyr argue that the protests were a necessary act of resistance in the face of an unjust decision by the legislative body, while opponents believe the arrests were justified due to the disruption caused in the House gallery.

The decision not to charge the protesters is seen as a victory for those advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, and it continues to raise important questions about freedom of speech, legislative power, and the treatment of transgender individuals in politics.