Jim Banks, a lawmaker in the United States House of Representatives had his official Twitter account suspended following a violation of the social media platform’s policy linked to posts about the transgender community.

Banks, who is a member of the Republican party and a renowned politician from the state of Indiana, reportedly posted tweets last week about Dr Rachel Levine, a senior member of the administration of United States President Joe Biden.

Banks wrote about Levine, who is also the Assistant Secretary of Health, becoming the first openly transgender four-star officer in the United States uniformed services.

Banks had responded to the United States surgeon general congratulating Levine on her promotion in the country’s Public Health Service Commissioned Corps by writing, “The title of first female four-star officer gets taken by a man”, according to reports from Associated Press.

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The social media platform referred to its policy of banning “targeted misgendering” while suspending the account of House Representative Banks. However, the lawmaker was just restricted from posting new tweets on Sunday, while the account could still be seen. 

The personal account of Representative Banks remained active through Sunday.

Banks, whose district covers Fort Wayne and surrounding northeastern regions of Indiana, has frequently drawn attention with right-wing social media comments. He stood by his post about Levine, according to reports from Associated Press.

“My tweet was a statement of fact,” Banks said in a statement. “Big Tech does not have to agree with me, but they should not be able to cancel me. If they silence me, they will silence you. We can not allow Big Tech to prevent us from telling the truth.”

Levine, who was nominated by US President Joe Biden for the position of Assistant Secretary of Health in January, was given the final nod by the US Senate in March this year after a close vote. Levine, who is known to set the benchmark for inclusivity in the United States political sphere, is the first openly transgender official to be confirmed by the Senate.