State Rep. Kenneth Paschal (R-Pelham) pushed back against State Rep. Juandalynn Givan (D-Birmingham) on Thursday after she indirectly referred to him as an "N-word."
1819 News reported on Givan's comments from the floor of the Alabama House of Representatives Wednesday, where she used a 2017 song by hip-hop artist Jay-Z to imply the racial slur.
On Thursday, the Alabama Republican Party called for Givan to apologize for her comments. Paschal later released a statement after the House gaveled out for the week.
"During debate over my bill on parental rights on Tuesday, a member of the House Democrat Caucus repeatedly inferred she was calling me a racial epithet simply because I am a black Republican and a proud, flag-waving conservative," Paschal said.
"My parents raised me to do as Christ instructed and treat others as you wish to be treated, and it is unfortunate that my colleague from across the aisle was apparently not taught to do the same. I will never be bullied or insulted into apologizing for what I am — a God-fearing conservative and military veteran who believes in the U.S. Constitution and the right of every person to live their lives free from government overreach."
Democratic leadership in the House has been silent on the event. House Minority Leader Anthony Daniels' (D-Huntsville) staff did not return requests for comment from 1819 News. Still, Paschal maintains that the double standard held by the media due to his political party is glaring.
"No person should have their race or skin color questioned or attacked simply because they choose to think for themselves, and if a Republican made the same statements, the condemnation from the media would have been swift and permanent," Paschal said.
"This incident is yet another example of the Democrats' nationwide pattern of disrupting the decorum of legislative proceedings."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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