LANSING, MI -- State Rep. Barb Byrum, D-Onondaga, said Thursday she believed she was banned from speaking on the floor of the state House of Representatives because she introduced an amendment Wednesday that would apply the same controversial abortion regulations to vasectomies.

"The state does not regulate vasectomies," she said in an interview Thursday. "If we're concerned about making sure babies are born, why are we not talking about vasectomies?"

In a widely circulated video, Byrum can be seen asking to speak about her amendment.



She was not recognized by Majority Floor Leader Jim Stamas, R-Midland, who told her she was "out of order" for attempting to speak.

"I had heard a rumor that they were uncomfortable with me saying vasectomy, which is a medical term," Byrum said.

Later in the video, state Rep. Lisa Brown, D-West Bloomfield, was chastised for her statement as well.



Byrum said she was informed of the ban by Minority Floor Leader Kate Segal, D-Battle Creek, who was apparently notified by Majority Floor Leader Jim Stamas, R-Midland.

"They did not tell me why I was banned, or for how long," Byrum said. "I can only assume it's because I stood up for my district and women in Michigan yesterday."

Ari Adler, spokesman for Bolger, said the women "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."

Adler said the move was meant to ensure civility and maturity in the debate over the bills.

Related: Susan Demas column - GOP tries to lose suburbs with abortion bills

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