June 18, 2012

Lansing - thousands turn out

Source: on scene report

More than a thousand turn out on the steps of the Lansing Michigan Capitol Building to tell lawmakers that women will not simply sit down and shut up.



Read more: Link to source

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June 16, 2012

Just announced- Michigan performance on Monday!

From State of Michigan Democratic Leader Gretchen Whitmer:

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Friends,

I'm excited to tell you that on Monday, June 18th, Sen. Rebekah Warren, myself and a number of our colleagues will be joined by Tony Award winning playwright and V-Day Founder/Artistic Director Eve Ensler for a special performance of Ensler’s award winning play The Vagina Monologues on the steps of the Michigan Capitol. The performance, which will take place between 6pm and 8pm, is part of an organized response to the recent banning of Michigan State Representative Lisa Brown from publicly speaking in the House of Representatives.

As you've likely heard by now, Rep. Brown was banned by Majority Floor Leader Jim Stamas and House Republicans for using the word “vagina” during a debate on a bill that puts new restrictions on women's healthcare choices. This event will call on supporters from across the state to speak up and let the House Republicans know that attempting to silence our voices is simply not acceptable.

I look forward to joining these powerful women from across the nation in sending a message that we are proud of ourselves, proud of our bodies and proud of the message that we have to offer. I want my two daughters to know that their Mom and countless other women stood up for them as they grow into the next generation of strong women.

I hope you'll join us as we take part in this historic event. We've set up a Facebook event page where you can RSVP and share the details with your friends and family. It can be found at: https://www.facebook.com/events/268583796582574

Please take a moment to forward this email or click the "send to a friend" link below so that others can hear about this exciting opportunity as well.

We'll be gathering at the capitol shortly before 6pm on Monday and I hope to see you there!


Sincerely,

Gretchen Whitmer Signature

Gretchen Whitmer
Michigan Senate Democratic Leader
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June 14, 2012

Censorship- Women told to sit down and shut up.

LANSING - Majority Floor Leader Jim Stamas (R-Midland) today banned two Democratic women legislators from speaking on the House Floor as the House of Representatives takes up its final legislation before the summer recess. State Representatives Lisa Brown (D-West Bloomfield) and Barb Byrum (D-Onondaga) were not told why the ban was put in place, but it is widely believed it stems from their opposition to radical anti-choice legislation that passed the House yesterday.

"Both Representative Byrum and I were gaveled down without cause yesterday while voicing our opposition to the Republican's war on women here in Michigan, "said Rep. Brown. "Regardless of their reasoning, this is a violation of my First Amendment rights and directly impedes my ability to serve the people who elected me into office. I was either banned for being Jewish and rightfully pointing out that House Bill 5711 was forcing contradictory religious beliefs upon me and any other religion. Or it is because I said the word 'vagina' which is an anatomically, medically correct term. If they are going to legislate my anatomy, I see no reason why I cannot mention it."

HB 5711 which passed 70-39 with one Representative abstaining addresses treatment of fetal remains, coercive abortion screening, physician liability and rules for certain abortion facilities.