(Nashville, TN) — Two Black Democratic lawmakers have been expelled from the Tennessee State House of Representatives over protesting for stricter gun laws. A Republican-controlled House removed Justin Jones and Justin Pearson on claims they violated House rules.

State Rep. Justin Pearson, D-Memphis, listens to remarks on the floor of the House chamber, Thursday, April 6, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn.

Former Rep. Justin Jones, D-Nashville, sits in the gallery of the House chamber after being expelled from the legislature on Thursday, April 6, 2023, in Nashville, Tenn.

Democratic Representative Gloria Johnson, who is white, survived after the vote to expel her failed to receive the required two-thirds majority. Hundreds of protesters gathered at the State Capitol Thursday in support of the three lawmakers, who joined demonstrators just days following the March 27th school shooting in Nashville. It’s said to be the first partisan expulsion in the state’s modern history.