American Bar Association president issues statement on civility in government in the wake of actions by Tennessee lawmakers

American Bar President Deborah Enix-Ross says the ABA is concerned by the way the Tennessee state legislature has dealt with discussions about important issues presented to the body following the mass shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville that resulted in the deaths of three students, three adults and the alleged shooter.

“In the wake of tragedies such as the one that took place at the Covenant School, the public looks to its elected representatives to consider and develop solutions,” she said.

“When much is at stake and emotions run high, the need for civility and collaboration is greatest.

“Legislators fail the people who elected them when they let rancor get in the way of reaching productive compromises. We are experiencing a growing lack of confidence in many democratic institutions and these actions do nothing to increase confidence.”

Lawmakers should be allowed to express dissent,” Enix-Ross said “If that dissent breaks the rules of the body, appropriate and proportional discipline may be needed. But democracy is not served by denying voters the representation of the people they elected to advocate for their interests.

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