The debate over West Seventh has reached the State Capitol, creating policy questions for rep who defended rioting now adheres to ‘principles of non-violence’ residents.
Finke defended rioting in a speech last June.
Paul, faced criticism from a fellow legislator for tweeting “just keep fighting” on April 8.
Dawn Gillman, R-Dassel, suggested Finke was “inciting violence,” seemingly questioning the timing of the tweet, which was published two days after swimmer Riley Gaines was ambushed by a mob at San Francisco State University.
Finke is Minnesota’s first transgender legislator and Gaines is an outspoken critic of allowing transgender athletes to compete in women’s sports.
“Inciting violence, fighting, rioting by new legislator Leigh Finke is that really a way you want to encourage people to show up in life?” Gillman said.
Finke responded to Gillman’s comments by expressing a commitment to “non-violent action.” “My commitment to non-violence runs deep in my bones by this point in my life, as core as any part of my identity.
I would never incite violence against another person,” Finke said, criticizing the “ugliness” of Gillman’s comments.
As the measure advances, residents of West Seventh can follow amendments and contact María Isa Pérez-Vega regarding the final language.
Article Source: Alpha News: “DFL rep who defended rioting now adheres to ‘principles of non-violence’”
