Join

Virginia Senate disrupted by exchange between senator, lieutenant governor

Roem [Photo courtesy Mike Beaty]
By Morgan Sweeney

(The Center Square) — The use of a male pronoun interrupted the Virginia Senate’s proceedings on Monday.

The state’s first senator to openly identify as transgender, Sen. Danica Roem, D-Prince William, addressed Lt. Gov. Winsome Sears, who presides over the chamber, with some questions. Sears seemingly offhandedly referred to Roem as “sir” in her second response to the senator.

Roem quietly and immediately left the chamber. After a few moments, several other senators also rose and left. Sears tried to continue with the agenda but obliged when Sen. Scott Surovell, D-Fairfax, requested a recess. They reconvened minutes later, but the commotion still appeared to be interfering with the Senate’s business, so Sears put the Senate at ease.

“Let it be known, I am not here to upset anyone. I am here to do the job that the people of Virginia have called me to do,” she said.

She softened some as she went on but still demanded that she be shown “respect and dignity,” appearing frustrated with the interruptions from the incident.

“It is never my intention to make anyone offended, and I hope that others would consider that they would try not to offend me, as well.”

She also exhorted the body to show grace to each other in such instances.

The chamber returned to its normal proceedings.

Roem did not make a public statement on Monday and was silent on X, formerly known as Twitter, where legislators sometimes comment on chamber business.

Loading poll ...

Recent Stories

June will be a fun and warm month around Prince William County and Manassas with several meetings and activities scheduled. Take a look at some highlighted events and meetings. Monday…

To increase the city’s bike-ability and promote a “connected communities” concept, officials and residents gathered at the south end of Caroline Street on May 29 in Fredericksburg to discuss creating a Dixon Park Connector trail.

MANASSAS, Va. – Prince William County leaders will consider a rezoning request on Tuesday, June 3, that could transform the aging Manassas Mall into a new urban-style community with more than 1,000 apartments and tens of thousands of square feet in new commercial space.

Luis Riveron-Wong (middle) recently won the RISE Award. [Courtesy of Manassas City Public Schools]Luis Riveron-Wong, a custodial shift supervisor in Manassas City Public Schools (MCPS), won the RISE Award, for…

The most anticipated night of the year is almost here! This Saturday, May 31, step into the romance, elegance, and charm of Paris—without ever leaving Washington, DC.

Join us for An Evening in Paris, an unforgettable soirée celebrating the best of French culture. Experience an immersive evening filled with gourmet French cuisine, refined wines, captivating live music, and the irresistible ambiance of the City of Light. Whether you’re a lifelong Francophile or simply love a night of sophistication, this is a celebration you won’t want to miss.

✨ Highlights of the evening include:

Read More

Submit your own Community Post here.

Your Weight Matters National Convention

Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.

This unique Convention truly has something

Van Metre 5K Run

Participate in the 33rd Annual Van Metre 5K Run—a race that goes further than 3.1 miles, where every stride you take supports Children’s National Hospital. The Van Metre 5K Run donates 100% of proceeds to Children’s National Hospital and has

×

Subscribe to our mailing list