A Pennsylvania Republican state representative in Pennsylvania blocked a Democratic representative from speaking on the floor of the House, citing “God’s law” (h/t Jason). Rep. Brian Sims, a Democrat and the first openly-gay Pennsylvania state legislator, wanted to speak about the U.S. Supreme Court’s DOMA ruling during a time when “legislators can speak of uncontroversial issues.” It requires the unanimous consent of the other House members, so one legislator can stop anyone from speaking.

A tale of two legislators: Brian Sims on the left; Daryl Metcalfe on the right (see what I did there?)

Someone, or several someone’s, objected to what Sims intended to say. The Republican Speaker of the House, Sam Smith, declined to reveal who objected. In the midst of the hubbub, Republican Rep. Daryl Metcalfe decided to take credit for blocking Sims from speaking, although it is apparently still not clear if he raised the original objection. I’m not too clear on how this procedural rule works, so I don’t know if Metcalfe, or anyone else objecting, needed to give a reason for objecting, but oh boy, did Metcalfe ever give a reason: Continue reading →