Rep. Barb Byrum and Rep. Lisa Brown were told that they would not be recognized on the House floor today for "failing to maintain the decorum" of the House of Representatives yesterday during debate on legislation concerning abortion. Rep. Byrum made a reference to vasectomy, Rep. Brown to vagina.
A spokesman for Speaker Bolger released this statement:
It is the responsibility of the Majority Floor Leader, the presiding officer and every Representative to maintain the decorum of the House... Stamas has informed Minority Floor Leader Segal that Reps. Brown and Byrum will not be recognized to speak on the House floor today after being gaveled down for their comments and actions yesterday that failed to maintain the decorum of the House of Representatives.
Under Rep. Stamas’ floor leadership, the House Republicans have allowed more debate on the House floor than ever seen in the past few sessions when House Democrats were in charge. House Republicans often go beyond simply allowing debate by welcoming open and passionate discussion of the issues before this chamber. The only way we can continue doing so, however, is to ensure that the proper level of maturity and civility are maintained on the House floor.
The Lansing State Journal story is here. The Free Press story, with video, is here. The bill passed by the House after debate yesterday is here.
