
Georgia State Senator Colton Moore Arrested After Defying Ban on House Chambers
ATLANTA — Georgia State Senator Colton Moore was arrested Thursday morning after attempting to enter the House chambers during Governor Brian Kemp’s State of the State Address, defying an earlier ban prohibiting him from accessing the area. The incident has sparked controversy among lawmakers and raised questions about constitutional rights and legislative decorum.
The Incident
Sen. Colton Moore, R-Trenton, was banned from entering the House chambers in March 2024 after making disparaging comments about the late House Speaker David Ralston. On Thursday, Moore attempted to push past doorkeepers, insisting that the rules of the House did not apply to him during the joint session of the General Assembly.
“This is a joint session of the General Assembly. Your House rules do not apply,” Moore told the doorkeeper. “I’m going into the chamber.”
FOX 5 cameras captured the moment Moore was stopped by the doorkeeper, surrounded by Georgia State Patrol officers, and pushed to the ground before being taken into custody. He was charged with willful obstruction of law enforcement officers, a misdemeanor, and transported to Fulton County Jail. Moore was released a few hours later and gave a statement outside the jail, maintaining that his actions were justified.
Stone cold patriot. https://t.co/Or6uUtrku6 pic.twitter.com/jrEy7BsYLx
— Andy Roth (@andyroth) January 16, 2025
The Backstory
The conflict between Colton Moore and the Georgia House began in March 2024, when Moore criticized a resolution to name a building at the University of North Georgia after the late Speaker Ralston. Moore called Ralston “one of the most corrupt Georgia leaders” during a heated debate, which took place as Ralston’s family watched from the Senate gallery.
The comments led to bipartisan condemnation, with Republican House Speaker Jon Burns denouncing Moore’s remarks as “some of the vilest that you can make about a good man.” Burns issued an order barring Moore from entering the House chambers, a decision that remains controversial.
Moore’s Defiance
Ahead of Thursday’s session, Moore took to X (formerly Twitter) to declare his intent to defy the ban. “I will NEVER back down,” Moore wrote. “I will ALWAYS speak the truth and represent the people of Northwest Georgia as their trusted America First Senator.”
In his statement outside Fulton County Jail, Moore said, “Today, they took my freedom and liberty away as I was fighting for your liberty and freedom.”
The PEOPLE OF GEORGIA haven’t seen this type of Tyranny since General Oglethorpe. https://t.co/l7FkokdWDq
— Sen. Colton Moore (@realColtonMoore) January 15, 2025
Responses from Lawmakers
Republican Speaker Jon Burns stood firm in his decision to ban Moore from the chamber, releasing a statement Thursday afternoon:
“The Senator refused to cooperate with doorkeepers and law enforcement, creating a dangerous situation when he chose to use force against our dedicated House staff. The integrity and decorum of this House are non-negotiable.”
Lt. Gov. Burt Jones, who presides over the Senate, took a different stance.
“Whatever personal differences Senator Moore has with others, he is a member of the body over which I preside. All elected senators and representatives deserve the opportunity to fulfill their responsibilities to attend joint sessions of the General Assembly.”
Georgia GOP Chairman Josh McKoon echoed Jones’ sentiments, expressing disappointment over Moore’s exclusion. “It was not only legally appropriate to admit him to today’s proceedings — it was simply the right thing to do,” McKoon stated.
Surprisingly, some Democrats voiced support for Moore. Congresswoman Nikema Williams, chairwoman of Georgia’s Democratic Party, stated, “While Colton Moore and I don’t agree on much, the Speaker nor the doorkeeper should be allowed to prevent him from representing the people of his district.”
Civil rights attorney Gerald Griggs added, “It appears as though his rights may have been violated because the Georgia Constitution is quite clear on whether or not somebody can be arrested during session.”
Political Context and Fallout
Moore has been a polarizing figure in Georgia politics. In 2023, he was removed from the Senate Republican caucus after calling for a special session to impeach Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis over her indictment of then-President Donald Trump.
The latest incident has reignited tensions within the Georgia Republican Party, with members divided over Moore’s actions and their implications for legislative norms.
Can the South Carolina House Ban a Senator?
- Separation of Powers Between Chambers:
- The South Carolina Constitution and legislative rules provide each chamber autonomy to govern its internal proceedings.
- The House has jurisdiction over its members, rules, and decorum within its chamber, and the Senate has the same for its chamber.
- While a House doorkeeper could deny entry to someone deemed disruptive or unauthorized, barring an elected Senator could be seen as contentious, as both chambers are part of the General Assembly.
- Joint Sessions:
- During joint sessions (e.g., the State of the State Address), both chambers convene together, typically in the House chamber. In these cases, the House may exercise some authority over access to its chamber, including denying entry to individuals.
- Legal and Political Implications:
- If the House barred a Senator, it could face legal challenges under the South Carolina Constitution, which ensures elected officials can perform their duties and represent their constituents.
- Denying entry might also provoke disputes over separation of powers and the ability of the legislative body to function effectively.
What’s Next for Moore?
Moore has vowed to return to the legislature, maintaining his right to represent his constituents. Meanwhile, legal experts debate the constitutionality of his arrest, and lawmakers on both sides of the aisle consider the broader implications for legislative authority and individual rights.
This story continues to unfold, raising questions about the balance between maintaining decorum and respecting the rights of elected officials.
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