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Rep. Lisa Brown (D-West Bloomfield)

LANSING (WWJ) - The Speaker of the Houses office is defending the decision to reprimanded a state lawmaker whosaid vagina during adiscussion on the House floor.

Rep. Lisa Brown, a Democrat, was told by House Republican leaders she could not participate in debate Thursday because she used the word vagina during a discussion about abortion legislation the day before.

Her words on the House floor Wednesday were: And, finally, Mr. Speaker Im flattered that youre all so interested in my vagina, but no means no.

WWJ Lansing Bureau Chief Tim Skubick spoke with Ari Adler, press secretary for House Speaker James Bolger.

Was the use of the v-word the problem for Ms. Brown? Skubick asked.

It was the context in which it was used and the way it was used, that was the problem, said Adler.

Adler said the situation will be resolved when the chamber resumes after asummer break.

In an interview Thursday with Skubick, Brown defended her comments.

I used an anatomically correct word. I said vagina. Is there something wrong with that? Can I not say elbow? I dont see what the difference is, she said.

Excerpt from:
Office Defends Censorship: ‘Context’ Was Problem With Rep’s Use Of ‘V-Word’