EDITORIAL: Vocal Mesquite lawmaker a victim of mask theater

(Las Vegas Review-Journal) – Lawmakers have great leeway to set their own legislative rules in Carson City, but the Democratic majority abused its discretion when it stripped GOP Assemblywoman Annie Black of her voting rights over a mask dispute. …

To make her point about heavy-handed COVID restrictions, Ms. Black took to the floor on Tuesday and removed her mask. Democrats, saying they had no idea whether the assemblywoman had received her shots, reacted with dismay. Ms. Black, refused to say whether she had sat for the vaccine. …

By Wednesday, the LCB had issued new protocols based on the updated CDC guidance. But when Ms. Black again appeared on the floor sans mask, Democrats proceeded to strip her of voting and speaking privileges for violating chamber rules.

To say this is petty and excessive is an understatement. … (T)he Nevadans in District 19 elected Ms. Black to the Assembly. By silencing her and confiscating her vote, Democrats deprive her constituents of their voice in the lower chamber. That’s a punishment that must be reserved for the most egregious ethical or legal breach, which hardly describes Ms. Black’s actions.

Democrats should relent and restore Ms. Black’s right to participate in legislative activities.

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