The Censorship of American Women – Brought To You By The GOP
By Gaetana Drake
Two female Michigan representatives (both Democrats) were recently censored for speaking out for women’s rights. Michigan is attempting to pass some of the most abortion-restricting laws in the country.
Representative Lisa Brown (D) was expressing her opposition to a series of bills regulating abortion, when she said “Mr. Speaker, I’m flattered that you’re all so interested in my vagina, but ‘no means no’.” House Republicans claim her remark violated the decorum of the chamber and barred her from speaking during a subsequent debate on education. I guess if you’re pro-choice in Michigan, your opinion on education is worthless.
Representative Mike Callton (R) said, “what she said was offensive. It was so offensive I don’t even want to say it in front of women. I would not say that in mixed company.” Believe me, Mr. Callton, women are used to hearing much worse when it comes to our lady parts. “Vagina” is a welcome improvement.
Ms. Brown quickly expressed her amazement at being censored during a press conference. “If I can’t say the word vagina, why are we legislating vaginas? What language should I use?” She also noted that it is the medically correct word, and that everyone in the chambers was an adult.
The House also denied Barb Byrum (D) the ability to introduce an amendment that would ban men from having vasectomies unless the procedure was needed to save their lives. “If we truly want to make sure children are born, we would regulate vasectomies”, she told reporters.
Many anti-abortion (and anti-birth control) legislatures claim they are opposed to abortion and birth control because of “all the children waiting to be born.”
Apparently, the Republicans in Michigan have forgotten about the right to free speech – especially if it’s speech from women promoting women’s rights. There is nothing vulgar about the word “vagina”, and using it was no reason to censor Lisa Brown. Barb Byrum didn’t even use the word “vagina”. She just suggested that if we’re going to legislate the reproductive rights of women, we should legislate those same rights of men.
We all remember the Congressional panel that was formed to hear testimony about birth control. Five men….talking about birth control. And not one woman was allowed to give input to the discussion. And now we can’t say the word “vagina”.
What restrictions will be placed on American women next?
Eye On Modesto 