Michigan State Rep Barred From Speaking After 'Vagina' Comments
Categories: National News, Politics
07:04 pm
June 14, 2012
During a heated debate on the floor of the Michigan state House, Rep. Lisa Brown made an impassioned speech against a bill that seeks to put new regulations on abortion providers and ban all abortions after 20 weeks.
Michigan State Rep. Lisa Brown (D-West Bloomfield).
From Michigan Radio: "Women Reps in Michigan barred from speaking, one for 'vagina' mention."
Brown, a Democrat, argued that her Jewish faith allowed for therapeutic abortions when the mother's life is in danger without regard to length of pregnancy.
"I have not asked you to adopt and adhere to my religious beliefs. Why are you asking me to adopt yours?" she said. But what came next is what got her in trouble: "And finally, Mr. Speaker, I'm flattered that you're all so interested in my vagina, but 'no' means 'no.'"
The Detroit News reports today the House Republican leadership did not allow Brown to speak on a bill about the retirement of school employees.
The News reports:
"'What she said was offensive," said Rep. Mike Callton, R-Nashville. 'It was so offensive, I don't even want to say it in front of women. I would not say that in mixed company.'
"Majority Floor Leader Jim Stamas, R-Midland, determined Brown's comments violated the decorum of the House, said Ari Adler, spokesman for the Republican majority."
Brown called a press conference, today, the Detroit Free Press reports. She defended her use of the word "vagina," saying it is the "anatomically medically correct term."
"If they are going to legislate my anatomy, I see no reason why I cannot mention it," she said according to the Free Press.
"Regardless of their reasoning, this is a violation of my First Amendment rights and directly impedes my ability to serve the people who elected me into office," Brown added in a statement released by her office.
Brown was not the only woman silenced on the floor today. Rep. Barb Byrum was also not allowed to speak on the floor.
"Byrum, D-Onondaga, caused a disturbance on the House floor Wednesday when she wasn't allowed to introduce an amendment to the abortion regulations bill banning men from getting a vasectomy unless the sterilization procedure was necessary to save a man's life," the Detroit News reports.
Quoting Anonymous:
Honestly, I can see why it offended some. She was using the word vagina as a put down, I don't know how to better describe what I'm trying to say. If a man had told a woman that she was interested in his penis, it would be sexual harassment. She wasn't saying the word vagina in a medical sense, she was looking right at a man and saying that he is interested in her personal private parts. I hope that makes sense.
It was sarcasm. Are we going to legislate against humour too?
i dont think republicans have a sense of humor, they seem to take everything so serious.
Quoting Purplehaze87:
Quoting Anonymous:
Honestly, I can see why it offended some. She was using the word vagina as a put down, I don't know how to better describe what I'm trying to say. If a man had told a woman that she was interested in his penis, it would be sexual harassment. She wasn't saying the word vagina in a medical sense, she was looking right at a man and saying that he is interested in her personal private parts. I hope that makes sense.
It was sarcasm. Are we going to legislate against humour too?
how was the word vagina used as a put down? it was used to name a body part no different than if they were talking about knees or elbows. but of course those vagina obsessed repulican could care less about my knees or elbows. hell for that matter not even my breasts look how hard they are fighting to restrict my acess to breast exams. congress is for growups and sometimes words like vagina do come up.
That's my point though. She said it in a sarcastic way to be snarky towards him, it wasn't said in a professional way.
Quoting Purplehaze87:
Quoting Anonymous:
Honestly, I can see why it offended some. She was using the word vagina as a put down, I don't know how to better describe what I'm trying to say. If a man had told a woman that she was interested in his penis, it would be sexual harassment. She wasn't saying the word vagina in a medical sense, she was looking right at a man and saying that he is interested in her personal private parts. I hope that makes sense.
It was sarcasm. Are we going to legislate against humour too?
I'm actually very liberal. I just don't think it was the time or place for snarky vagina humor *shrugs*
Quoting demonicaangel:i dont think republicans have a sense of humor, they seem to take everything so serious.
Quoting Purplehaze87:
Quoting Anonymous:
Honestly, I can see why it offended some. She was using the word vagina as a put down, I don't know how to better describe what I'm trying to say. If a man had told a woman that she was interested in his penis, it would be sexual harassment. She wasn't saying the word vagina in a medical sense, she was looking right at a man and saying that he is interested in her personal private parts. I hope that makes sense.
It was sarcasm. Are we going to legislate against humour too?
Do you ever get hit on even looking a mess?
Why inflict this silly cosmetic pain on a baby!?!
- demonicaangel
on Jun. 17, 2012 at 11:32 AM