In Tennessee, the Metropolitan Council of Nashville voted unanimously Monday to reinstate Democratic Representative Justin Jones, just days after Republicans voted to expel him from the Tennessee House of Representatives for joining peaceful protests against gun violence. This is Nashville Metro Councilmember Delishia Porterfield, speaking just before Monday’s 36-0 vote.

Councilmember Delishia Porterfield: “Representative Jones was honest about who he was: a bold and unapologetic advocate for the community. The people chose their representative. And with this vote, we will send a strong message to our state government and across the country that we will not tolerate threats to our democracy.”

Following the vote, Representative Jones and more than a thousand supporters marched to the Tennessee Capitol, where Jones retook the oath of office. He later joined debate on the House floor during an afternoon session.

Rep. Justin Jones: “I want to welcome democracy back to the people’s House. That on last Thursday, members of this body tried to crucify democracy, but today we stand as a witness of a resurrection of a movement, of a multiracial democracy, that no unjust decision will stand.”

Representative Jones also immediately called for the resignation of the House Speaker Cameron Sexton. A second Democratic lawmaker who was expelled last week, Justin Pearson of Memphis, could be reappointed to the Tennessee House if a majority of the Shelby County Commission’s 13 members agree to it. Click here to see our coverage of this story, including our interviews with Representative Justin Jones