OKLAHOMA CITY – A white Republican lawmaker from southeast Oklahoma is facing criticism for comparing lawmakers' efforts to end abortion to the fight against slavery.
Rep. Jim Olsen, of Roland, made the comments Wednesday during a meeting of the House Public Health Committee that was considering several anti-abortion bills. “None of us would like to be a slave," Olsen said when asked to clarify his comments, according to KOCO-TV. “If I had my choice, I guess I’d be a slave.
At least a slave has his life. Once your life is gone, it’s gone.” House Democrats immediately denounced Olsen’s comments, and the state party asked for Olsen to be formally censured.