Nashville— Tennessee House Republican leaders went on the attack Thursday after shocking some spectators who came to watch their representatives start the year by questioning whether they had tickets. The new and unannounced condition has only exacerbated charges that the GOP supermajority is unfairly silencing political dissent.
Tennessee residents have always been allowed to sit on either side of the House chamber during sessions. Family members, constituents, interns, lobbyists, and others can watch policy debates in the public galleries. State cops quickly remove placards held by protesters or disruptive spectators.
House GOP officials said last week that the west half of the public galleries will demand tickets. Each of the 99 House members received one ticket to offer to a preferred recipient each day of session. West side gallery has 128 seats, east side 120, first-come, first-serve.
House Speaker Cameron Sexton made the measures to ensure that out-of-towners who visit the Capitol had a seat. He cited the U.S. House of Representatives, where house representatives can provide public gallery access.
"If you don't like the ticketing, write an article to Congress and complain," Sexton told reporters. Call them out and ask them to change if that is anti-public.
As the COVID-19 virus progressed, the Senate banned public access to the Senate gallery and committee hearings in 2020. Some persons were authorized to attend House meetings and floor sessions.
The west side gallery was shuttered during an August special session by House GOP leaders for journalists and legislative personnel.
“One side is first-come, first-serve. You wait in line and don't know if you'll get a seat, said House Majority Leader William Lamberth. “The other is ticketed and guaranteed a seat.”