Doug Mataconis (@dmataconis) via Twitter
Hundreds of people gathered outside the capitol in Lansing, Michigan, tonight to listen to a performance of The Vagina Monologues by eleven female lawmakers.
And this sign from tonight’s event said it all: "Vaginas brought you into the world and vaginas will vote you out."
This all stems from a debate over abortion legislation. Rep. Lisa Brown was censured for using the word vagina on the House floor.
"And finally, Mr. Speaker, I'm flattered that you're all so interested in my vagina, but no means no,” Brown said Wednesday.
Republican leaders insisted they were offended by her "rape reference,” not the word "vagina."
Brown was not allowed to speak on the House floor again. The GOP wouldn't let her debate a teacher retirement bill the next day.
Rep. Barb Byrum was also silenced after she tried to suggest an amendment to legislate vasectomies (she was our guest on tonight's show; watch the video below).
Hundreds of protestors gathered on the lawn of the Michigan statehouse to listen to a performance of "The Vagina Monologues". Eleven state congresswomen participated in the performance. The demonstration follows the Republican censure order which silenced two state representatives after a debate about an abortion bill last week. We talk to one of the women who was shut down after the abortion debate, Representative Barb Byrum.
Michigan Republicans say both women simply violated the rules of decorum. And the leader of the House, accused both women of throwing temper tantrums.
