For Immediate Release
Sen. Stephen Harding issued the following statement regarding supermajority Democrats voting to cut off public debate.
“This is the most disappointing day I have had as a Connecticut state legislator. Elected Democrats at the State Capitol should be disgusted with themselves. The way they have treated the public is so beyond the pale. Any elected Democrat who is ok with shutting up the voices of thousands of people should be voted out of office. Period.
I grew up learning about our Constitution and the freedoms and our liberties we all are so fortunate to have. I now question what Connecticut Democrats think of those liberties when they do things like this. This is antithetical to everything our country stands for.
Democrats are taking away religious freedoms. Democrats are eroding parental rights. And as they do that, they are telling state residents, ‘We are going to shut you up and not even listen to what you have to say.’
They don’t deserve to be in elected public office.
I believe in a fundamental truth: I may disagree with everything you have to say, but I will fight for your right to say it.
That’s what Republicans are asking Democrats to do at the State Capitol.
Let the voices of Connecticut citizens be heard.
Republicans believe in public hearings and public discussion. Republicans believe in the First Amendment. All of us should agree to that.
Democrats have now voted to shut down people’s voices at 12:15 AM, but democracy does not end at 12:15 AM.
Supermajority Democrats are the ones raising these highly controversial bills. Instead of silencing the public and turning them away, Democrats should stay and do the job they were elected to do. Look Connecticut citizens in the eye and hear their testimony.
Republicans will stay and listen to those who could not testify. We will document their words on video, despite Democrats’ efforts to silence them.”
