A Georgia state legislature was removed from state house chambers on Tuesday for his refusal to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines requiring testing for legislators and staff.
After being asked to leave by Speaker David Ralston (R), and he refused to do so, State Representative David Clark (R) was escorted from the room by a state agent, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Clark was removed for his refusal to take mandatory bi-weekly coronavirus testing. He didn’t use it during the entire session, which has now been in for three weeks, according to the Journal-Constitution.
Ralston announced the testing requirements in a December 30 memo outlining best practices for coronavirus control. The statements note that the tests required are saliva-based PCR tests, meaning no nasal swab is required. In addition, masks must always be worn, with the exception of when a Member addresses the House.
According to the Journal-Constitution, Ralston made an announcement Tuesday morning asking a person violating protocols to leave the chambers.
“We have one member of this body who was intentionally not tested at all at the start of the session, clearly in violation of our testing policy, endangering the health of other members of this chamber,” said Ralston.
He then asked the nameless member discreetly leave the rooms. When Clark failed to do so, Ralston called in an agent.
“The member may return if it complies with the policy for the safety of anyone who needs to come to the Capitol,” Ralston’s office said in a statement following the incident. “This is about preventing the spread of a disease from which more than 12,000 Georgians have died.”
From House Speaker David Ralston’s spokesperson:
The member may return if they comply with the policy for the safety of everyone who must come to the Capitol.This is about preventing the spread of a disease from which more than 12,000 Georgians have died. ” #gapol pic.twitter.com/z6wAhrDQaX
– Greg Bluestein (@bluestein) January 26, 2021
Clark claimed while speaking to reporters that others, such as first responders and teachers, should be tested before him.
Rep. David Clark (R-Buford) says he was expelled from the General Assembly for refusing to get a COVID test. @ 11AliveNews pic.twitter.com/bWJloQ6aLz
– Joe Ripley (@ JoeRipley11) January 26, 2021
Journal-Constitution reporter Greg Bluestein tweeted that Clark promised to return to the House’s rooms on Wednesday.
“I’m going to show up every day and work for my constituents,” said Clark.
State @RepDavidTClark tells me he is considering legal action after being booted from the Georgia House for failing to take a coronavirus test –
and that he plans to return tomorrow. #gapol pic.twitter.com/Dfnf64viBq– Greg Bluestein (@bluestein) January 26, 2021
Clark and Ralston did not immediately respond to The Hill’s request for comment.