(Image source: Dale G. Young / The Detroit News )

 

BY NATHAN BYRNE

ANCHOR MEGAN MURPHY

A Democratic state representative in Michigan got a time-out from her Republican counterparts for something she said on the House floor. Detroit’s WDIV has it.

Anchor: “Well, who knew the word ‘vagina’ could get a lawmaker into trouble at the Michigan House?”

Rep. Lisa Brown: “ … I’m flattered that you’re all so interested in my vagina, but no means no.”

That’s Rep. Lisa Brown in a debate over abortion legislation.

The New Statesman reports the law would impose heavy new regulations on abortion providers — including an all-out ban on abortions performed after 20 weeks.  The article says Brown wanted to …


“ … highlight the hypocrisy of propounding religious arguments against abortion by pointing out that her Jewish faith allows abortions which save a mother's life to occur at any stage in a pregnancy.”

Her opponents in the Michigan house would have none of that. According to The Detroit News …

“Brown's comment prompted a rebuke Thursday by House Republicans, who wouldn't allow her to voice her opinion on a school employee retirement bill. ‘What she said was offensive,’ said Rep. Mike Callton. ‘ … so offensive, I don't even want to say it in front of women. I would not say that in mixed company.’”

Brown didn’t exactly stay silent, though. Here she is on MSNBC’s “ The Rachel Maddow Show .”

“The government has no business being in my private business. Frankly, using the word ‘vagina’ — that’s what this legislation is regulating.”

Brown also defended her use of the word “vagina” because it’s the correct medical term.

A blogger for La Figa backs the lawmaker — saying …

“It’s in the dictionary. But apparently you can’t use that three syllable medical term in the Michigan House of Representatives.”

Linguistic debates aside — The Guardian reports the bill…

“ … passed on a 70-39 vote, puts in place sweeping new regulations and insurance requirements for abortion providers; makes it a crime to coerce a woman into having an abortion, and regulates the disposal of fetal remains.”

A second lawmaker — Rep. Barb Bynum — was later banned for saying “vasectomy.”