Michigan representative barred from speaking on the floor for saying “vagina.”

Posted byWaldo Jaquith 8 Comments on Michigan representative barred from speaking on the floor for saying “vagina.”

This should sound familiar to those who followed the debate in the Virginia General Assembly over forcible vaginal probes. Republicans are deeply uncomfortable with the word “vagina,” and once Democratic legislators started tossing that word around, Republicans basically gave up the debate. So go for it, elected Democrats—vagina vagina vagina. If you can’t say it, you shouldn’t be allowed to regulate it. →

Published by Waldo Jaquith

Waldo Jaquith (JAKE-with) is an open government technologist who lives near Char­lottes­­ville, VA, USA. more »

8 replies on “Michigan representative barred from speaking on the floor for saying “vagina.””

  1. This is a little more complicated than it looks.

    She didn’t just say “vagina” — she made it personal: “I’m flattered that you’re all so interested in my vagina, but ‘no’ means ‘no.'” So I think a reprimand might have been in order, but being barred from speaking? Probably over the top.

    As a commenter elsewhere noted, this might get a different reaction if the sexes were reversed: “I’m flattered that you’re all so interested in my penis, but ‘no’ means ‘no.'”

  2. That’s the point Tim. The legislation that was being discussed directly affected Lisa Brown and her, gasp, vagina. I believe when legislators are passing these ridiculous laws, they are not thinking about who or what is affected.

    Your argument is fallacious Tim, unless you can direct me to some legislation someplace where penises and male reproductive rights are being scrutinized and legislated. Your scenario hasn’t happened to my knowledge. So, no, it wouldn’t get a different reaction because it would never happen.

  3. Tim, This is not at all complicated. Rightwing culture warriors are waging a profitable nationwide war against women’s reproductive rights and Ms. Brown is in the fight.

    The complicated part is trying to understanding why a smart guy like you has to concoct a fantasy to scold Lisa Brown.

  4. Grs–you are mistaken regarding the lack of legislation pertaining to male reproductive rights. In fact, in Michigan, they are passionately deliberating an amendment that would regulate vasectomies to the same extent they regulate abortions.

    Oh, wait. Scratch that. Rep Barb Byrum was similarly banned from introducing said amendment. Vasectomy. Maybe they just don’t like V-words. http://www.mlive.com/lansing-news/index.ssf/2012/06/state_rep_barb_byrum_banned_fr.html

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