\n<\/p>\n
Virginia\u2019s Democratic state senators walked out of a hearing after Lieutenant Governor Winsome Sears (R) responded \u201cyes sir\u201d to a female-identifying transgender senator.<\/p>\n
\u201cMadam president, how many votes would it take to pass this bill with the emergency clause?\u201d Senator Danica Roem asked Sears.<\/p>\n
Sears said it would take four-fifths of the vote, prompting Roem to clarify, \u201cAnd what would be the exact number for that madam president?\u201d<\/p>\n
Sears stated, \u201cYes, sir, that would be 32,\u201d adding, \u201cThose in favor of that motion shall record their votes aye.\u201d<\/p>\n
Roem immediately left and missed the vote.<\/p>\n
Several other Democrats walked out while another refused to speak on her turn.<\/p>\n
After two recesses, the legislature resumed.<\/p>\n
Following the breaks, Sears said, \u201cI said something that upset Sen. Roem. 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 and that is to treat everyone with respect and dignity. I myself have at times not been afforded that same respect and dignity, but in this body and as long as I am president of the Senate and by the grace of God, I will be treated with respect and dignity and I will treat everyone else with respect and dignity.\u201d<\/p>\n
She noted that she often mistakenly uses the wrong names for people and titles. \u201cI apologize,\u201d Sears said. \u201cAnd I would hope that everyone would understand there is no intent to offend.\u201d<\/p>\n