Richard Morris, Virginia lawmaker, compares pro-choice movement to slavery

By Anjali Shastry - The Washington Times - Thursday, January 14, 2016

Virginia Democrats expressed outrage after a Republican lawmaker compared slavery to the pro-choice movement on the House of Delegates floor Thursday, calling it an “outright disregard for civility.”

Del. Richard Morris, Suffolk Republican, argued that slavery was a “national sin” when it happened and that the country was currently sinning by allowing abortion to be legal.

“The pro-slavery movement claimed that it was settled law. The discussion was over. Stop your protesting, there is nothing you can do,” Mr. Morris said, comparing the 1859 Dred Scott case ruling black people property to the landmark 1973 Roe v. Wade case that made abortion legal in the country.

“But the abolitionists rejected the evil of slavery. They decried it as a national sin. They relied upon their Christian values and stood steadfast in their belief that black lives matter,” he said.

He compared himself to the abolitionists, saying that just like the abolitionists stood up for slaves, he would stand up to the “evil in our time” and fight the pro-choice movement, he said.

“Just as the abolitionists rejected the evil of slavery, I rise to recognize the abolitionists who reject the evil of abortion,” Mr. Morris said. “And those in the pro-life movement that fight for life, that all life is precious, ladies and gentlemen, it is my prayer to almighty God, our heavenly creator, that he bestow his hands of wisdom and the Holy Spirit on all Virginians, on all Americans, and we end the murder of our unborn children and we end this national sin.”

His remarks on the House floor were met with anger from Democrats, who said his remarks were factually inaccurate and began the session acrimoniously.

“I am appalled at the comments made by Delegate Morris this afternoon,” Del. Jeion Ward, Hampton Democrat, said. “My Democratic colleagues and I are looking forward to making positive changes for the Commonwealth, like building the new Virginia economy and making sure every Virginian is equal in the eyes of the law. Instead, the precedent that has been set here is petty politics and sheer disregard for equality and privacy.”

House Democratic Caucus Chair Charniele Herring called Mr. Morris’ speech a “baseless and inaccurate attack on women.”

“Statements on the House floor today started this legislative session on a note of negativity, divisiveness and outright disregard for civility,” she said.

State Sen. Mamie Locke, chairwoman of the Virginia Legislative Black Caucus, said she was “insulted” by the comparison between slavery and abortion.

“I am appalled that Delegate Morris would equate his personal feelings about abortion to slavery and the black lives matter movement,” Ms. Locke said. “As an African-American and as a woman, I am insulted that he made these ugly and factually inaccurate remarks.”

Del. Jennifer McClellan, the Democratic Caucus vice-chair, blasted Mr. Morris’ “inflammatory and irresponsible rhetoric.”

“Delegate Morris’ remarks today were divisive, inaccurate, and totally unhelpful,” Ms. McClellan said.

Members of the Republican-controlled legislature have introduced legislation to roll back pro-choice laws on the books, but Gov. Terry McAuliffe, a Democrat, warned them Wednesday during his State of the Commonwealth speech that he would veto such bills.

“I am ready to work with you on your proposals that will grow our economy, expand opportunity, make our government work better and take better care of our taxpayer dollars,” Mr. McAuliffe said. “But I will not hesitate to veto legislation that I believe harms those important goals. Specifically, I am prepared to veto bills that roll back the progress that we have made on marriage equality and women’s access to health care.”

The 60-day Virginia legislative session began Wednesday and in addition to the fight over pro-choice issues, will feature partisan struggles over gun control legislation, Medicaid expansion, criminal justice reform, ex-felon voting rights and lowering the state corporate tax rate.

• Anjali Shastry can be reached at ashastry@washingtontimes.com.