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A Georgia state lawmaker was fired on Tuesday for refusing to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines that require testing for lawmakers and staff.
After being invited to leave by President David Ralston (right), and refusing to do so, State Representative David Clark (right) was escorted out of the chamber by a State Soldier, reports the Atlanta Journal-Constitution newspaper.
Clark was fired from his post because of his refusal to take mandatory coronavirus tests twice a week. He did not take any for the duration of the session, which is now three weeks, according to the Journal-Constitution.
Ralston announced the testing requirements in a December 30 memo, which outlined best practices for coronavirus control. The statements state that the tests required are saliva-based PCR tests, which means that no nasal swab is required. In addition, masks must be worn at all times, except when a Member is addressing the House.
According to the Journal-Constitution, Ralston made an announcement Tuesday morning asking someone in violation of protocols to leave the rooms.
“We have a member of this body who has deliberately failed to be tested at all when we start the session, clearly in violation of our testing policy, endangering the health of other members of this chamber,” said Ralston.
Then he requested that the anonymous member discreetly leave the rooms. When Clark failed to do so, Ralston brought in an officer.
“The member will be allowed to return after following the safety policy of all who are to come to Capitol Hill,” Ralston’s office said in a statement following the incident. “This is to prevent the spread of a disease that has killed more than 12,000 Georgians.”
From Speaker of the House, David Ralston:
“The member will be allowed to return after complying with the policy for the safety of all who must come to Capitol Hill.This is to prevent 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 asserted when speaking to reporters that others, like first responders and teachers, should get tested before 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 reporter Greg Bluestein tweeted that Clark had promised to return to the chambers of the House on Wednesday.
“I’m going to show up everyday and work for my constituents,” Clark said.
State @RepDavidTClark tells me he is considering legal action after being kicked out of Georgia House for failing to pass a coronavirus test –
and that he plans to come back 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.
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