HARRISBURG, Pa. (WHTM)– A conservative State Representative in Pennsylvania celebrated Independence Day early yesterday, literally wearing his patriotism.

State Rep. Eric Davanzo (R-Westmoreland) was draped in red, white, and blue on Tuesday. His suit jacket featured the flag’s red and white stripes, paired with a blue-and-white tie.

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Davanzo was surprised on Tuesday when Speaker of the House Joanna McClinton (D) sent word that he couldn’t remain on the floor in his outfit and would have to leave. McClinton doubled down on the decision, saying they don’t allow costumes.

“We don’t allow costumes on the floor of the House for any holiday. We are very patriotic. That’s why we have two huge United States of America flags in the back of the House,” she said. “And so, as excited as I am to put on my red, white, and blue all weekend, you can wear a costume jacket in your office, do your committee meetings, you can wear it up and down these halls. You can hold a press conference. But on the floor of the House, we have a quorum for all members, no matter the holiday.”

Davanzo responded to the statement, saying his outfit was not a costume.

“So this isn’t a costume. I wear this back home, and I would wear that. I’ll wear this again next week,” he said. “I love my country. This is just me showing off. My patriotism is all it is. And just for the fact that I’m not allowed to do that. But yet, if I wanted to wear an LGBT scarf, nothing said about that. So if we’re going to hold this standard, let’s hold it.”

Speaker McClinton said that Davanzo wasn’t singled out and that some members who have had big hats on their desks in the past were removed.

The Pennsylvania House does have dress guidelines. However, guidelines state that “appropriate business attire is required while on the House floor. Appropriate is a subjective term, which can be interpreted differently depending on the person.

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