More than a decade ago, Michigan found itself at the center of one of the country’s most notable examples of free speech—all stemming from the use of a single word.

After two state lawmakers were silenced during a debate over abortion rights, the controversy sparked a massive protest on the Capitol steps that drew thousands of people.

Today, The ‘Gander’s Sophie Boudreau takes us back to that moment in Michigan history.

Inside the Michigan State Capitol Building. (Unsplash)

By Sophie Boudreau

Free speech debates have always been part of politics, with conflicts arising in recent years over everything from comedic late-night presidential critiques to vitriolic accusations of “fake” press coverage. And while free speech is not absolute, it is broadly protected—even when it (sometimes inexplicably) offends high-ranking officials. 

More than a decade ago, Michigan found itself at the center of a unique free speech debacle that sparked more than conversation. Instead, the conflict transformed into a full-blown theatrical performance with a crowd of thousands. 

It all started with one word: “vagina.”

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In the summer of 2012, Democratic Reps. Lisa Brown and Barb Byrum of Michigan found themselves at the center of an unusual controversy after Republican leaders temporarily banned them from speaking during Michigan House meetings. 

The offense? Uttering the word “vagina” during arguments over proposed abortion restrictions—and, later, assertively asking to be heard. 

Brown was the initial “offender,” telling Republican lawmakers she was “flattered that you’re all so interested in my vagina, but no means no,” while pushing back on a bill that would have prohibited abortion access after 20 weeks of pregnancy. 

Calling her statement “inappropriate,” Republicans placed a gag order on Brown.

Byrum, on the other hand, had her speaking privileges temporarily revoked after she shouted at a chairman in defense of her right to speak about a proposed amendment (one she had not yet been given the opportunity to discuss publicly). 

In the wake of the House standoff, Brown called the gag orders “misogynistic and cowardly,” further labeling leadership’s actions as a violation of the First Amendment right to free speech. 

“If they are going to legislate my anatomy,” Brown said, “I see no reason why I cannot mention it.”

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Days later, the representatives turned their frustration into action with the help of Tony-winning playwright V (then known as Eve Ensler), best known for her work “The Vagina Monologues.” As its name suggests, the play features a series of monologues from actresses telling stories about—you guessed it—their vaginas. 

Brown took to the steps of the state Capitol on June 18, 2012, to perform her very own rendition of the Vagina Monologues alongside a slew of fellow Democrats, including Byrum. During the performance, which drew an impressive crowd of some 5,000 people, the word “vagina” was spoken more than 100 times.

When V heard about the slated performance, she wanted to be involved. She quickly booked a flight to Lansing to lend her support, ultimately calling Brown’s performance “one of the most amazing performances” she had seen of her work.  “I think we took free speech back today,” she said. 

Shortly after the Lansing event, Brown penned an op-ed about her experience for CNN.  “Rep. Jim Stamas, whose job it was to issue the edict against me, said he ‘honestly had no idea it would become such an issue,’” she wrote. 

“I find it amazing that a fellow legislator wouldn’t understand why it’s outrageous not to just silence me, but my 90,000 constituents,” she continued. “I hope he and his fellow Republicans get it now.”

That One Time in Michigan is a special edition of our weekly newsletter. Know a story we should explore, or want to send me a note about the newsletter? Write to me here!

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Thanks for reading. This newsletter was written by Karel Vega with a feature story by Sophie Boudreau. It was edited by Crystal Niforos.

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