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GOP leaders condemn protests at Representative Simmons’ home
Summary
Republican lawmakers at an Olympia press availability said protests at a lawmaker’s private residence are inappropriate, urging demonstrators to use public squares or the Capitol; they emphasized protecting family members and keeping focus on policy arguments.
During a question-and-answer at the caucus media availability, reporters raised weekend protests at Representative Tara Simmons’ home. Several Republican legislators condemned demonstrations targeted at private residences, saying they create an unsafe or threatening environment for families and distract from substantive debate.
Sen. Travis Couture (identified in the event) said, ‘‘No one should be protesting at someone’s home’’ and encouraged people to protest ‘‘at the Capitol Building’’ or another public forum. Senator John Braun and Representative Drew Stokesberry agreed, saying protests at private residences risk scaring family members and obscure policy messages. Stokesberry and others also noted that people have rights on public property and that civil protest venues should be used rather than residential confrontations.
Speakers drew a distinction between the right to protest and tactics that involve confronting lawmakers at their homes, saying such actions ‘‘lose the very good message’’ of the protesters and that the public square is the proper venue.
The remarks came as part of broader questions by reporters about tactics and civility; the Democratic lawmakers targeted by the protests were not present to respond at this caucus event.
