Michigan Rep. Silenced for Saying 'Vagina' Performs 'The Vagina Monologues' at Statehouse

Michigan Democratic state Rep. Lisa Brown, who says she was banned from speaking by Republicans who objected to her saying the word “vagina” while debating anti-abortion legislation last week, performed Eve Ensler’s The Vagina Monologues on the steps of the Statehouse on Monday.

Ensler helped oversee Brown and the other lawmakers and actresses who participated in the performance of the play about women’s sexuality, according to The AP. An estimated 2,500 people came to see the “Vaginas Take Back the Capitol!” event.

"If we ever knew deep in our hearts that the issue about abortion … was not really about fetuses and babies, but really men's terror of women's sexuality and power, I think it's fully evidenced here," Ensler told The AP over the phone.

The legislation being debated last week when Brown was silenced is supposed to make abortions safer, according to supporters. Opponents say the legislation would make it more difficult for women to get abortions.

Brown was barred from speaking the day after she told Republicans “I’m flattered you’re all so concerned about my vagina, but no means no.”

Democratic Rep. Barb Byrum says she referenced vasectomies during the debate, which resulted in her being barred from speaking last Thursday as well. Lawmakers began a five-week break on Thursday, ending both Brown’s and Byrum’s bans.

Below is a video from Monday’s event:

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