Lawmaker Formally Requests Apology for 'Vagina' Backlash
Onondaga Rep. Barb Byrum, along with two advocate groups, asks Michigan House Republicans to apologize for banning Byrum and West Bloomfield Rep. Lisa Brown from speaking on bill last month. Take our poll to tell us what you think!
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A state representative who claimed that she and colleague Lisa Brown (D-West Bloomfield) were banned from speaking on the House floor after a disagreement about decorum delivered a box of petition signatures to the House SpeakerWednesday morning demanding an apology.
Rep. Barb Byrum, D-Onondaga, joined by representatives from the liberal groups Progressive Change Campaign Committee and Democracy For America, claimed that more than 115,000 people from around the nation signed the petition, aimed at House Speaker Jase Bolger (R-Marshall).
Brown, a Jewish mother of three, claimed she was barred from speaking after referencing her own vagina at the end of a speech on House Bill 5711. She said that the abortion legislation forces contradictory religious beliefs upon her and others.
The remark went viral amid concerns that the House GOP majority went too far in banning Brown for using what she referred to as the "medically correct term."
Feminist activists including Eve Ensler, writer and original star of The Vagina Monologues, descended upon Lansing to protest on June 15. Thousands turned out for a special performance of the 1996 solo show-turned-international hit.
Bolger's spokesman, Ari Adler, claimed that House Democrats are using the issue as a "distraction," according to reports.
"We’re focused on moving Michigan forward, and the House Democrats are welcome to join us whenever they are ready," Adler said.
Curtis wright
9:31 pm on Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Dear Barb's Vagina:
I'm sorry!
Neal Charness
9:49 pm on Wednesday, July 18, 2012
It doesn't matter what the various representatives' views are. The Speaker tried to stifle someone who disagreed with him in a thoroughly undemocratic way. He and his cohorts would do well to merely have to apologize.
Art
11:06 pm on Wednesday, July 18, 2012
Dear Barb: How about, in your ear!
Randy Husk
8:47 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
he was right to ban them.....no place for being a smart ass.....she deserved what she got
Cathy Fucinari
10:50 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
Oooooh! Be careful what you ask for. Who will determine if what you say is "smartass" and ban you from speaking? Isn't the right wing all about freedom of speech?
Cathy Fucinari
10:50 am on Thursday, July 19, 2012
This is actually not a distraction. It is drawing attention to the fact that government officials have no business in our doctor's offices or our bedrooms.
Christy Summerfield
1:48 pm on Thursday, July 19, 2012
I object to your use of the word "claimed" as in "the state representative who . . . claimed she was banned from speaking". I have seen and heard what went on and I believe it's fact, not alleged or a "claim".
Linda P
10:05 am on Friday, July 20, 2012
It would seem that the economy, world peace, the presidential election, housing values, education, children's health, services for seniors, etc etc etc etc etc. are all more important than Barb's vagina. Get over it.
Christy Summerfield
10:34 am on Friday, July 20, 2012
The ability of women to control their own bodies has a direct effect on the economy, world peace, the presidential election, housing values, education, children's health, services for seniors, etc . . . .
Cathy Fucinari
1:54 pm on Wednesday, July 25, 2012
I agree Chris. There is NOTHING more important than for each individual to have control over their own bodies. Particularly, in their doctor's office and their bedroom.
R Gibson
11:46 am on Friday, July 20, 2012
Really, this is what is important? We have kids dying in our community from K2 and other synthetic drugs, where was Lisa Brown? These are her consituents. Our teachers and school districts are all facing huge financial probelms, where is Lisa Brown? She would be a great representative if she put this amount of effort into real constructive issues. This is just political grandstanding on both sides, and she would be better served if she took the high road.
Neal Charness
2:24 pm on Friday, July 20, 2012
Mr. Gibson: I don't know what Ms. Brown did and truthfully for this issue it doesn't matter. You know that question is irrelevant to whether the leaders of the House stifled other members. Remember things change and when we shut one person up wrongly and others do nothing it's just a matter of time til it's your turn. Our personal views on womens issues or synthetic drugs are irrelevant to this issue. You've been very up front calling for civility during the bond issue debate--I have to think you believe that same civility applies to the House leadership. Lisa Brown made them uncomfortable but did not call names or make personal attacks.
R Gibson
3:54 pm on Friday, July 20, 2012
Neal, all I was trying to say is we are facing very serious issues at the state and local level. For our representative to spend this amount of time, money, and energy on something as trivial as this does us all a disservice. I am not saying she is right or the republicans are right. I am not making this a political statement. I don't advocate anyone being shut out or shouted down, but unfortunately, sometimes politicians outflank one another through inappropriate means. We deserve better of all out politicians regardless of gender or party.
Cathy Fucinari
1:54 pm on Wednesday, July 25, 2012
She was stifled.
Kristi
11:46 am on Friday, July 20, 2012
"Demanding an apology"- time and money spent on circulating a petition for an apology! I'M SORRY, I mean, "Demand and apology" Really? So now we're going to try to mandate phony apologies? Pathetic. I'm a woman, I have a vagina, and I don't apologize for a lot of things, as do some of those with penises. And I'M SORRY, but to demand such a request, in my opinion, makes vaginas look pretty sad...
"A progressive group is circulating a petition demanding an apology from Michigan House Republicans for banning Rep. Lisa Brown from speaking on the House floor last week."
Neal Charness
6:18 pm on Friday, July 20, 2012
If anyone thinks shutting up legislators because they don't like what they said is trivial any other issues really are trivial. This is so central to our democracy and community. Lisa Brown did not use profanity, sexual innuendo or personal attacks. The "leadership" has flat out lied about what they did. I agree that it doesn't matter whether the Republicans or her are right on the womens' rights issue--this issue is about the fundamentals of our democracy, it is any thing but trivial.
dredk
12:03 pm on Tuesday, July 24, 2012
I am shocked by crass and disrespectful comment submitted here. How would a man feel if he would have to submit to a digital rectal exam from a female physician in order to receive a prescription for Viagra?
I saw the clip of what she said and she was quite respectful of the decoram. Not shrill. Quite calm and intelligent. And a legitimately elected representative who had earned the right to speak her mind - not someone shouting out from the gallery. To 'ban' her was a throughly undemocratic response and she definitely deserves an apology.
A mature man or woman, Christian, Jewish, or Muslim ought to show some grace and apologize to this woman for their intolerant behavior.
Why the fact that she uttered the word' vagina' lit such a fire is beyond my understanding but after reading these comments maybe I get a better sense of what's going on in people's minds and it disguests.me.
This is not the filthy society I want my young daughter to grow up in. We've regressed since I was a young woman. Twenty years ago I received a doctorate in mechanical engineering so I know precisely the obstacles woman can face. I ignored them altogether but for many woman it's not so smple. And yes, a walking talking vagina can do amazing things if you allow it to. Vagina. Vagina. Vagina. Say it twenty times. Over and over. Say breast cancer. Say uterine cancer. Say testicles. Say penis. Grow up and so sorry.The women's comments shock me more than the men's Who are you people? .