‘Tired of it’: Fuller comment draws ire, accusations of sexism in Senate

Debate over legislation prohibiting towns from enacting red flag gun laws, House Bill 809, led to accusations of sexism in the Senate chamber over the weekend.

The hot button issue drew strong testimony from numerous senators, including Sen. Ellie Boldman, a Missoula Democrat.

The bill, brought by Rep. Braxton Mitchell, R-Columbia Falls and carried in the Senate by Sen. Theresa Manzella, R-Hamilton, states, “extreme risk protection orders violate a person’s right to bear arms under the Second Amendment of the United States Constitution.”

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, “Research has shown that states can save lives by authorizing courts to issue extreme risk protection orders (ERPOs) that temporarily prevent a person in crisis from accessing firearms.”

Arguing against the bill, Boldman spoke about a man who killed a woman with a gun, explaining numerous red flags that should have prevented him from having a weapon.

Sen. John Fuller, R-Kalispell, then accused Boldman of being melodramatic.

“I enjoyed the histrionics of the opponent to this bill,” Fuller said.

Boldman later called his criticism “blatant sexism” in a social media post.

Fuller’s statement elicited an immediate, though quiet, reaction in Senate chambers with several members looking on in shock.

Sen. Cora Neumann, D-Bozeman, asked Fuller to clarify what he had said after the Kalispell legislator finished explaining why he thought local governments shouldn’t be allowed to enact gun laws.

“Histrionic is defined as undue emotion in presentation of what they believe to be true,” Fuller said. “I believe that’s the definition.”

The Senate approvedHouse Bill 809 in a 29-21 vote shortly after.

However, at the end of the meeting, when senators may make comments unrelated to agenda items, several referenced the debate over HB 809.

Sen. Jacinda Morigeau, D-Arlee, expressed frustration with how women in Senate chambers are treated.

“We live in a society where words have additional connotations beyond their dictionary definitions,” Morigeau said. “So I must say that the use of histrionics has always been derogatory towards women.”

Morigeau said she’s witnessed disrespect toward women time and time again during the Legislature. She said the body frequently consults its decorum rules for other matters, but not when it comes to the way women are treated.

“I have seen in my 73 days in here, over and over, many times, the women in this body being put down, overtly, subtly,” Morigeau said. “And I just, I am tired of it.”

Fuller also spoke, again defining histrionics, and said, “if someone takes offense to that, I’m sorry, I apologize, but there is nothing wrong with them being dramatic, lively and excitable in this chamber.”

Sen. Daniel Zolnikov, R-Billings commented how men’s speech can be perceived as “passionate” while when women speak, it’s sometimes referred to as “emotional.” He apologized for his caucus and said the chamber needs to do better.

“We all have the right to have our arguments,” Zolnikov said, adding they also had the right to argue, “how we want to.”

Manzella spoke in defense of her male colleagues.

“I would like to specifically thank the men in this chamber, and specifically on my side of the aisle,” Manzella said. “Thank you, guys.”