Opposition to a resolution honoring late House Speaker David Ralston resulted in the state senator that represents Chattooga, Walker, Dade and Catoosa Counties being banned from the House floor on Thursday at the state capitol.

Senators were debating a resolution that would have allowed a building on the University of North Georgia’s campus to have been named for the lawmaker, who passed away late last year. Senator Moore went to the well of the senate and denounced Ralston as “one of the most corrupt Georgia leaders we’ll ever see in our lifetime.”  The Republican leader in the senate, Senate President Pro Tempore John Kennedy (R-Macon) apologized for Moore’s comments. The resolution was adopted by the Senate, 53 to one, with Moore’s being the only vote in opposition.

Later in the day, House Speaker Jon Burns (R-Newington) announced Moore was banned from the House chambers. One House doorkeeper said this was the first time a senator had ever been banned from the House floor. Burns received a standing ovation from representatives when he made that announcement. Ralston’s portrait was also unveiled Thursday under the Gold Dome.