Ohio lawmaker's personal story of rape and abortion interrupted by male colleagues laughing

[eridani]

http://www.dailykos.com/story/2015/03/27/1373677/-Ohio-lawmaker-s-personal-story-of-rape-and-abortion-interrupted-by-male-colleagues-laughing

Ohio state Rep. Teresa Fedor took the microphone as lawmakers were debating a bill that would ban abortions if there is a detectable heartbeat—as early as six weeks of pregnancy:

Abruptly asking to speak during debate on a bill to outlaw abortions once a fetal heartbeat can be detected, the Toledo Democrat and 15-year veteran of the legislature stood and revealed a long-kept secret. She was raped, became pregnant as a result and had an abortion.

“You don’t respect my reason, my rape, my abortion, and I guarantee you there are other women who should stand up with me and be courageous enough to speak that voice,” she told colleagues. “What you are doing is so fundamentally inhuman, unconstitutional, and I’ve sat here too long. I dare every one of you to judge me. ... How dare government get in my business.”

A very courageous speech, indeed. But, in the midst of her impassioned speech, she suddenly had to pause—because at least one male lawmaker in the room was laughing.

I see people laughing and I don't appreciate that. And it happens to be a man who is laughing. But this is serious business right now and I'm speaking for all the women in the state of Ohio who didn't get the opportunity to be in front of that committee and make this statement.

[Orrex]

1. I have a suggestion for how to handle these pigs

But it would get my post hidden.


Congratulations Rep. Fedor for her courage and for showing who the adults are in the room.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

4. thank god, I am not the only one:

I have a suggestion for how to handle these pigs

But it would get my post hidden.

sometimes, I can actually FEEL my blood pressure shoot UP when I resist the urge to post how I really feel.

[artemis starwolf]

2. I'm from Ohio

And I wish I knew who laughed. I would drive right down to Columbus, barge into his office, and give him an earful.

[ismnotwasm]

3. Some asses need to be escorted out of the room

And away from politics forever.

And need to be kicked of course.

[Tuesday Afternoon]

5. amen.

no wonder this country is in the shape it is in. Evidently, we have been allowing spoiled bratty children the run of the place.