RICHMOND, Va. (WRIC) — It’s a comparison that’s evoked outrage and support.
“The evil of slavery became institutionalized in America, it was our national sin,” Morris said. “Every era has it’s evil, every era has its national sin and the evil of our time is abortion.”
During a speech on the house floor Thursday, Delegate Richard Morris compared slavery to abortions while criticizing the current Black Lives Matter campaigns.
Democrats posted this video of Delegate Morris’ speech Thursday night:
“It was a kind of blatant, passionate, ignorance, that poured down the mountain,” said Jack Gravely with the Virginia NAACP. “When you sit there and look at the video and his statements you say to yourself where is he coming from,” said Gravely.
Friday, Gravely expressed disappointment saying abortion should be debated on its own.
“He does not need to drag in slavery and black lives matter,” Gravely added.
Janice Craft-Henry with NARAL Pro Choice Virginia says the speech endangers women.
“At best tone deaf and at worst demeaning and degrading,” she said. “Making comments that demonize and stigmatize women for accessing reproductive health care services.”
Meanwhile, Olivia Gans Turner with Virginia Society for Human Life says it’s an important conversation to have, and agrees with where the delegate was coming from.
“I think I may understand where people might be upset, and I think they have every right to be questioning where the conversation may be going,” Gans Turner said. “If one sees all human life as deserving as protection under the law then you can make the connection.”
We made numerous attempts to interview Delegate Morris Friday. His office told us he was unavailable until next week.
