Two Michigan Reps Silenced for Comments in Abortion Debate
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(LANSING, Mich.) -- Two women Democratic lawmakers have been banned from speaking at the state House of Representatives on Thursday after using the word "vagina" and proposing conditions for men to receive a vasectomy on Wednesday during an emotional abortion-rights debate, the Detroit Free Press reports.
Rep. Lisa Brown (D-West Bloomfield) who voted against the House bill, which would mandate new regulatinos and insurance requirements for abortion providers, was silenced after telling supporters of the bill, "I'm flattered you're all so interested in my vagina. But no means no."
Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga) was not allowed to speak on her amendment to the bill, which proposed that doctors only perform vasectomies on men who have a medical emergency or are in danger of dying.
Ari Adler, spokesperson for Speaker of the House Jase Bolger, said the women would not be allowed to speak on the House floor on Thursday for failing to "maintain the decorum of the House of Representatives."
The House Bill passed on a 70-39 vote.
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