Rep. Monique Davis (D-Chicago) got into a heated exchange with atheism activist Rob Sherman last Wednesday which culminated in her saying that he has no right to be there because of his religious beliefs (or lack thereof). This outburst occurred when Rob Sherman was testifying that Governor Blagojecich’s plan to donate 1 million in tax dollars to Pilgrim Baptist Church is unconstitutional (read about that here).
Here is a short transcript of the conversation, you can read the rest here. They also have audio. From listening to the audio I can say that Rob Sherman stayed calm and polite through the conversation.
Davis: It’s dangerous to the progression of this state. And it’s dangerous for our children to even know that your philosophy exists! Now you will go to court to fight kids to have the opportunity to be quiet for a minute. But damn if you’ll go to [court] to fight for them to keep guns out of their hands. I am fed up! Get out of that seat!
Sherman: Thank you for sharing your perspective with me, and I’m sure that if this matter does go to court—
Davis: You have no right to be here! We believe in something. You believe in destroying! You believe in destroying what this state was built upon.
What makes this more disappointing than the bigoted words of Sally Kern is that Rep. Davis is a Democrat with a strong voting record on reproductive and civil rights and the environment (see voting record here). I have come to accept this kind of religious intolerance from Republicans. I guess these things just go to show show just how deeply the religious right has embedded their intolerance into our society.
If you would like to let Rep. Davis know how you feel about her words here is her contact information. As always please be polite. I would expect an apology will be made shortly. For more reading check out Eric Zorn and PZ Meyers posts on this.