Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears spoke to the legislature about “respect and dignity” after a state senator walked out of the chamber during a session.
That senator was Democrat Danica A. Roem, 39, who became the first transgender member of the House of Representatives when she was elected in 2017.
Roem's exit came after Earle-Sears called him “sir” during an exchange about the number of votes needed to pass a new bill.
“Madam Speaker, how many votes would it take to pass this bill with the emergency clause?” Roem can be heard asking Earle-Sears who was presiding over the session in video clips posted on social media.
“That would be four-fifths, senator,” Earle-Sears responded in the House Bill 592 debate.
Virginia Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears doesn't care how you identify — she'll refer to you by your biological pronouns. pic.twitter.com/FyLXBQoN7T
— Ian Miles Cheong (@stillgray) February 26, 2024
When Roem tried to clarify the exact number, Earle-Sears replied, “Yes, sir, it would be 32.”
The senator did not add further comment, but could be seen leaving the chamber, prompting Democratic Sen. Scott Surovell to call for a recess.
According to The Progress-Index, a diary outside of Petersburg, Virginia:
After two breaks and his initial refusal to apologize, Lt. Gov. Winsome Earle-Sears finally said he was sorry, but didn't specifically say so to Sen. Danica Roem, D-Prince William County. Instead, he looked at each section of the chamber and said, “I apologize.”
“I understand that Senator Roem is upset,” Earle-Sears said after a recess.
“I'm not here to upset anybody. I'm here to do the job that the people of Virginia called me to do,” he added. “This is treating everyone with respect and dignity. I myself have sometimes not been afforded the same respect and dignity.
“But in this body, as long as I am president of the Senate, and by the grace of God, I will be treated with respect and dignity. And I will treat everyone else with respect and dignity,” the former Marine and the first black woman to preside over the state Senate continued.
The Republican lieutenant governor reportedly claimed there was “no intent” to offend anyone.
“It's never my intention to offend anyone,” Earle-Sears said.
“I hope others will consider that they will try not to offend me as well, we are all equal before the law,” he added. “I apologize, and I hope everyone understands that no offense was intended.”
Roem, who unseated 13-term Republican Bob Marshall in 2017 and later became the first transgender senator elected to Virginia's upper house, returned home the day after the incident and has not commented publicly, according to CBS News.
Social media erupted over the incident with the left disaffected over Earle-Sears' perceived disrespect.
Richmond's Democratic mayor, Levar Stoney, he called the “disgusting” equivocation, adding that “their refusals to back down do not represent the true values of Virginia. This must be denounced uniformly and unequivocally.”
Winsome Sears here shows how transphobia is ingrained within @VA_GOP. Refuse to apologize @pwcdanica after having misinterpreted it is the pillar of disrespect. do it better https://t.co/96I92xDtbr
— Henrico Democrats (@HenricoDems) February 26, 2024
This behavior is unbecoming and beneath the office of the lieutenant governor. No one should abuse or defame someone based on their identity, and then refuse to apologize or admit fault.
We are proud with @pwcdanica and I hope he is given the respect he deserves. https://t.co/EQjrx8jByQ
— Virginia Young Dems (@VAYD) February 26, 2024
Democrat Susanna Gibson shattered Earle-Sears for daring to “dirty” the Governor's Mansion. That lack of self-awareness comes from the mother of two who ran for the Virginia House of Delegates last year, but made headlines because she reportedly “performed sexually with her husband for a live online hearing and encouraged viewers to pay them with “tips” for specific requests,” seconds in the Washington Post.
And the crisis continued.
This is gross. @pwcdanica it is a serious, accomplished and innovative legislature.
He does things for his constituents and advocates for issues for Virginians. Their work to feed more hungry children during the school day is one example.
She didn't deserve this cheap insult. https://t.co/5BO0a2nW6O
— Kyle McDaniel (@KyleMcDaniel89) February 26, 2024
But there were plenty on the other side, defending Earle-Sears and breaking lefties.
To honor Black History Month, Virginia's first black lieutenant governor is attacked by bewildered liberals for saying a spade is a spade. The Democratic Party doesn't care if you don't walk, think and talk like them.
To the Maker of Virginia History @winsomesears, we honor you! ❤️ https://t.co/oFBi65w5cf
— Yesli Vega (@yestoyesli) February 26, 2024
all @WinsomeSears was to show that it is pro-science. What's the problem? https://t.co/8YbiENbqni
— Doug Powers (@ThePowersThatBe) February 27, 2024
We live in an age where it is considered “gross” to call a man sir lol
Our founding fathers are rolling in their graves
I stand for common sense, so I'm with @WinsomeSears https://t.co/J4Am4kcLRw
— Riley Gaines (@Riley_Gaines_) February 27, 2024
If you're wondering what's behind this absolutely flippant, maniacal reaction by Democrats and their media allies to Winsome Sears calling a man “gentleman,” it's simple and has nothing to do with transgenderism or pronouns.
They are desperate to take down a conservative black… pic.twitter.com/PBctOOS9dg
— Gunner (@Not_so_Ernest) February 27, 2024
I don't blame Lt. Gov. Sears. @WinsomeSears – more power to you – and congratulations on your role as VA's first female lieutenant governor.
Sen Roem can dress up and LARP as anyone, that doesn't mean other people have to play. @pwcdanica Deal with the problems caused by your life choices: Women are…
— Morgana Le Faye *Patriot *America 1st* (@Keltic_Witch) February 27, 2024
Badass. just tested The coolest name in politics. I'll take Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears in a loss on this one. pic.twitter.com/l4HWrdPzL2
— Bogie (@bogie_usa) February 27, 2024
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