Michigan Dem banned by Republicans for using the word ‘vagina’

From Raw Story: http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/06/14/michigan-dem-banned-by-republicans-for-using-the-word-vagina/

By Stephen C. Webster
Thursday, June 14, 2012

A female Democratic state representative in Michigan said Thursday that she has been silenced by her Republican colleagues after she uttered the word “vagina” while criticizing a slate of bills that would restrict female reproductive rights.

Michigan State Rep. Lisa Brown (D) made her comments during a Wednesday debate on proposed legislation that critics say could effectively ban abortions in the state. ”I have not asked you to adopt and adhere to my religious beliefs,” she said. “Why are you asking me to adopt yours? And finally, Mr. Speaker, I’m flattered that you’re all so interested in my vagina, but no means no.”

The legislation, contained in three separate bills, would limit abortions by restricting procedures past 20 weeks of pregnancy, imposing new insurance and licensing requirements on clinics, limiting access to abortion drugs and placing new requirements on the tissue disposal process.

An earlier hearing on the same bills saw representatives from Michigan Planned Parenthood shut out and ignored — an act that attracted hundreds of protesters to the capitol on Tuesday.

Continue reading at:  http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2012/06/14/michigan-dem-banned-by-republicans-for-using-the-word-vagina/