Group Asks For GOP Apology In Vagina Flap
LANSING (WWJ/AP) - Groups upset over last month's silencing of a female Democratic lawmaker who said "vagina" during a Michigan House debate about anti-abortion legislation and another who said "vasectomy" have delivered 115,000 signatures asking for an apology.
Members of the Progressive Change Campaign Committee and Democracy For America brought the signatures Wednesday morning to the office of House Speaker Jase Bolger.
The signers ask GOP leaders to publicly apologize to state Reps. Lisa Brown and Barb Byrum after suspending their speaking privileges for one day.
This comes after Rep. Lisa Brown, a Democrat, said during a House debate about abortion legislation: "And, finally, Mr. Speaker — I'm flattered that you're all so interested in my vagina, but no means no."
Talking later to WWJ Lansing Bureau Chief Tim Skubick, Brown said she used the anatomically correct word. "Can I not say 'elbow?' I don't see what the difference is," Brown said.
Bolger spokesman Ari Adler said Tuesday that he doesn't anticipate any apology is forthcoming. He says the pair "violated the decorum of the House" and "were gaveled down for it."
Over 100 people gathered for a Wednesday rally at the Capitol to promote women's issues.
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