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Ohio Lawmaker Lodges Protest Over Planned Parenthood Debate
By: Associated Press
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) – A Democratic state lawmaker has formally complained that she was not recognized to speak during House debate on defunding Planned Parenthood.
Rep. Kathleen Clyde, of Kent, told House Clerk Brad Young in a protest memo Friday that lawmakers have a constitutional right to express opposition to any bill that comes up for a vote. Clyde said Speaker Cliff Rosenberger cut off debate before she and several other Democrats who had stood to be recognized were given the floor.
Planned Parenthood in Ohio risks losing over $1 million in public funds under the measure the House passed, which resembles one approved by the Senate.
Rosenberger spokesman Brad Miller said Democrats weren’t improperly silenced. He said Tuesday’s debate lasted more than an hour and included seven Democrats and five Republicans.