Ann Arbor Times

In a recent address, Sen. Lana Theis (R-Brighton) spoke to the Michigan Senate concerning the recent riots that have taken place across the country.

“As my friend and colleague from the 3rd Senate District said, we stand together today because we are joined together as Michiganders and as Americans, united for peace and understanding,” Theis said in a YouTube video capturing the address. “The First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution is clear: Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free speech -- or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, or abridging the freedom of speech or of the press or the right of the people to peaceably assemble and to petition the government for redress of grievances.”

Theis acknowledged the horrific murder of George Floyd and said that there was no excuse for what occurred.

“The man responsible for his untimely passing should be held accountable to the full extent of the law, as should his former coworkers who participated or allowed it to happen on their watch,” Theis said to the Michigan Senate.

While the national degree of shock over another murder of a black man is understandable, Theis said, it is not an excuse for further violence. Theis called on Michiganders to peaceably protest and come together as a community in support of police reform, rather than to act out of excessive anger. 

“It is specifically the job of government to protect communities that are being decimated by looting and rioting,” Theis said in the YouTube video. “At the same time, the protestors who are peaceful people do not want their communities decimated, but they do want their message heard.”

Theis said that these considerations are what have spurred her to support Senate Resolution 122. 

“I stand here with the colleague I’ve been proud to call friend for quite some time, since I served with her husband, who is also a friend,” Theis told the Michigan Senate. “We don’t stand here speaking of our differences. We stand here caring about each other in unity, seeking protection for the families in our communities and for the ability of our citizens to redress their grievances in peace.”