UPDATE: Michigan House Republicans have censured two of the women in this video, Democratic Representatives Lisa Brown and Barb Byrum, for their comments about vasectomies and vaginas yesterday. They’re not allowed to speak on the House floor, at least for today. Adding: The Speaker’s office says they just can’t talk today.
PREVIOUSLY: The Michigan House yesterday passed one* of a sweeping set of anti-abortion bills. In the video above, sent around by House Democrats, you’ll see an example of Democrats trying to soften the bill with amendments and getting gaveled down. You’ll also find this exchange:
Democratic Representative Lisa Brown: I have not asked you to adopt and adhere to my religious beliefs. Why are you asking me to adopt yours? And finally, Mr. Speaker, I’m flattered that you’re all so interested my vagina, but no means no.
[Brief cheering from the gallery]
House Speaker: Members, I do ask that you respect the decorum of the House.
I’m not sure whether the Speaker means that you shouldn’t say “vagina” like that in the Michigan House, or whether he means that you shouldn’t cheer for vaginas if someone mentions them, or what.
Democratic Representative Rashida Tlaib, who attempted to amend part of the legislation so that it applied to vasectomies, too. Her testimony yesterday is not in the video above, but it did make the local news: “We’re launching a war on women,” she said. “Stop having sex with us, gentlemen, and I ask women to boycott men until they stop moving this through the House.” The legislation passed with support from the united Republican caucus and six Democrats. The Senate is not expected to take it up until September. *Corrected — the House tabled two of the bills.
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