A Georgia state lawmaker was removed from state chambers on Tuesday for his refusal to adhere to the COVID-19 guidelines that require evidence for lawmakers and staff.
After President David Ralston (R) asked him to leave, and he did not, state Rep. David Clark (R) was escorted out of the chamber by a state soldier, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Clark was withdrawn for his refusal to do mandatory coronavirus testing twice a week. According to the Journal-Constitution, he did not take any during the entire session, which is now three weeks ago.
Ralston announced the testing requirements in a Dec. 30 note detailing best practices for coronavirus control. The claims state that the necessary tests are saliva-based PCR tests, meaning that a nasal swab is not required. In addition, masks must be worn at all times, except when a member addresses the House.
According to the Journal-Constitution, Ralston made an announcement Tuesday morning asking a person who violated the protocols to leave the chambers.
“We have a member of this body who deliberately failed to test himself when we started the session, clearly including our testing policy, endangering the health of other members of this chamber,” Ralston said.
He then asked the unnamed member discreetly leave the chambers. When Clark did not, Ralston called in an officer.
“The member will be able to return after complying with the security policy of all those who must come to the Capitol,” Ralston’s office said in a statement after the incident. “It’s about preventing the spread of a disease that has killed more than 12,000 Georgians.”
From the Speaker of the Speaker of the House, David Ralston:
“The member will be allowed to return when he meets the security policy of all those who are to come to the Capitol.It’s about preventing the spread of a disease that has killed more than 12,000 Georgians. ” #gapol pic.twitter.com/z6wAhrDQaX
– Greg Bluestein (@bluestein) January 26, 2021
Clark stated, while speaking to reporters, that other people such as lifeguards and teachers should be tested in front of him.
Representative David Clark (R-Buford) says he was expelled from the General Assembly session because he refused to take a COVID test. @ 11AliveNews pic.twitter.com/bWJloQ6aLz
– Joe Ripley (@ JoeRipley11) January 26, 2021
Journal-Constitution journalist Greg Bluestein tweeted about the statement that Clark vowed to return to the House of Commons on Wednesday.
“I’m going to run every day and work for my constituents,” Clark said.
State @RepDavidTClark tells me he’s suing after he was ripped from Georgia House for not doing 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.