The internet exploded earlier this week after Michigan state Representative Lisa Brown was barred from House debate for a breach in “decorum.” The representative, and many of those following her story, feel that the congresswoman was deliberately silenced for using the word “vagina,” in a bold attempt to draw attention to the “war on women.” CBS reports:
“… Republicans who control the chamber said she violated decorum. While speaking Wednesday against a bill requiring doctors to ensure women aren’t coerced into ending their pregnancies, Brown told Republicans, ‘I’m flattered you’re all so concerned about my vagina. But no means no.'”
Brown fired back that her free speech was violated, and that she was merely using a correct anatomical term. Certain Republican congressmen and women maintained that her comment was suggestive, and that the comparison of abortion to rape was inappropriate.
Also banned from the floor was State Rep. Barb Byrum, who proposed that the right to a vasectomy be withheld– barring a threat to the man’s life.
According to The Detroit News, Rep. Brown will join Vagina Monologues playwright Eve Ensler and a group of female legislators and actors in a performance of The Vagina Monologues on the steps of the state’s capitol. Increasing donations to Brown imply that her constitutents were inspired by her stand.Â
A Facebook page for the event–titled “VAGINAS TAKE BACK THE CAPITOL!!”– has over two thousand confirmed attendants.Â
Photo Credit: Mail Online