A Michigan lawmaker has been banned from speaking on the House floor after referencing her private parts while debating a bill that would restrict abortion rights in the state. "I'm flattered that you're all so interested my vagina," Rep. Lisa Brown said, addressing the Speaker of the House, "but 'no' means 'no.'"
Speaking on Thursday's edition of The Rachel Maddow Show, Brown argued that she did nothing wrong.
"I think the government has no business being in my private business," she said.
Brown created a firestorm Wednesday while railing against legislation that would place new regulations on abortion providers in addition to prohibiting abortions after 20 weeks.
The Jewish politician argued people of her faith are permitted to have an abortion if the mother's life is in danger.
"I have not asked you to adopt and adhere to my religious beliefs. Why are you asking me to adopt yours?" she said.
Brown was gaveled by the House Speaker for violating the decorum of the House. The Detroit News reported Brown was barred from speaking Thursday during the debate about a school employee retirement bill.
"Frankly, using the word vagina—that is what this legislation is regulating," Brown told guest host Ezra Klein, adding she was not told why or how long she was barred from speaking.
A spokesman for the House Speaker James Bolger told MSNBC that Brown was not censored for her comments, but for the "context" in which she used them.
"It's the medically, anatomically correct word to use," declared Brown. "In fact, it's in our Michigan statute on three different occasions."
The anti-abortion law passed in the House 70-39, with all Republicans voting in favor of it. The legislation now goes to the Senate. "There's still time to fight this bill and request the bill go away and never show its ugly head again," said Brown. "The fight is not over."
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Republicans don't know what that is. They afraid of the "no-no" place.
go figure silence the female. after all don't the repuke men know more than we do about what women want.
This is extremely dangerous. The Republicans have lost their minds...again.
This argument was settled in the US Supreme Court decades ago. Move on and start solving some of the state's real and pressing issues. I am not convinced that they are smart enough to take it on.
I'll take a chance and predict that Wolverine State Republicans have just put a big "O" in their state's column for the fall presidential election...
This angers and disappoints me. We "Free Americans" are, as a culture, getting kicked to the curb by legions of religious/social "conservatives" who are now seeking to control our bodies and our speech, i.e. don't say "vagina." I also understand we are not to say "global warming" because it's not politically correct. The term "climate change," implying that our weather is having a cyclical, natural change NOT contributed to by CO2, methane, chlorofluorocarbons, and particulates etc., is deemed better. The term "climate change" is a strategic euphemism intended to at least shape discussion and debate if not prevent them entirely. Evolution is a "theory" again. What??? And, incredibly, A woman's right to a free and safe abortion is back on the table. What is this? 1950? I understand nostalgia, but ... really???
"back on the table" - I just got that - need more caffeine.
"Well Governor Synder, what have we got - a Monarchy or a Republic."
"A Monarchy - if we can keep it."
Beep! Beep! Interesting trollish sort over on Matthews... I got out the old rehab rodeo tools, and this one is different than Grandpa Fuzz...
I can't believe this one is drawing so few comments here. Keith Olbermann was having batting practice on Twitter with this one...
Now were are censoring freedom of speach in the House of Reps! This is ridiculous!
Just one more reasons i dont like most Republicans.
Maybe the no-nothing R's would like her better if she said "down there," like those alleged experts on TV talking about women's health. Theocracy--0%, Democracy--100%.
What a bunch of *PENISIS*
I think the preferred term would of been "vajayjay"
this country is under attack by far right wing radicals and if people do not get enraged enough they will win
AIRLINE PRE-FABRICATED TRAVEL WEAR
One idea I'd like to suggest to Southwest and other airlines with the same concern is to; Provide Men's & Women's, Airline approved, disposable, one piece, one size fits all, prefabricated "Fly wear or Travel wear," wardrobe. This way everyone will be dressed accordingly, however all look the same. Considering that orders would probably range in the millions, they could work out a deal with the manufacturer to print-in different style-looks on the front side of the suit (even though there would be no change or alteration to the pre-fabricated suit) as well as assorted colors. The airline could also "Instant Print" the travelers Name with Photo, flight information and other data, on a separate, self-adhesive paper badge that would be hand pressed on a designated area of the suit most likely over the heart area. At the end of the flight people could discard the suits into a recycling bin provided by the airline to help off-set the cost.
Why are so many old Republican penises threatened by vaginas?
well Rep. Brown - start talking - EVERYWHERE! forget the house floor! talk to us! talk for us!!
It was not the word "vagina" and she knows it. It was the context in which she used it. She said "I'm flattered that you're so interested in "my" vagina"etc. (making it personal) That was trash talk that doesn't belong on the house floor and shouldn't be coming from the mouth of an elected delegate, let alone a lady who represents others who she speaks for. When you are a woman delegate and you are in the position of respect you should act accordingly and speak accordingly, not like a barfly from the gutter. Imagine if a man were to address her in the same way in reverse. It would be an outrage!! I have no doubt that he would've gotten the gavel as well. If she wanted to use the word "vagina" in another context, I doubt that anyone listening would have been so uptight as to object to the word, but not in the way that she used it. Her plan was to shock, it did and it backfired on her. Now she wants to pout and whine about how she is being "censured". Well, too bad "lady". Try a little political correctness next time to get your point across and leave the trash talking at home where it belongs.
Besides, it's the uterus that takes center stage during an abortion discussion anyway, but she knew that using the word "uterus" wouldn't be as shocking.
Valerie, just a question..... Are you a lesbian or is that a "drag name?" Something smells "fishy" here... No pun intended......
Dear Americans, until you actually sort out the "Separation of Church and State" you are going to have to keep putting up with this BS.
And until you do something about "One nation under God" that isn't going to happen.