The Shelby County GOP has come out in support of State Rep. Kenneth Paschal (R-Pelham) after he was the target of racially charged remarks on the floor of the House of Representatives.
Earlier this month, during debate time on a bill from Paschal regarding parental rights, State Rep. Juandalynn Givan (D-Birmingham) approached the podium and began discussing a voting rights bill that had, at that point, yet to pass the House.
During her comments, Givan used the lyrics of a 2017 Jay-Z song to subtly imply that Pashcal was an "n-word."
Paschal is the only black Republican in the Alabama Legislature.
Calls for Givan to apologize came from several local chapters of the GOP and the state GOP. Givan instead deflected and said the situation was "merely another alt-right Republican distraction." Paschal responded by saying, "I will never be bullied or insulted into apologizing for what I am."
Most recently, the Shelby County GOP, Paschal's district, backed their member and lauded his candor through the debacle.
"The Shelby County Republican Party stands behind all our Legislative Members," The Shelby County GOP said in a release. "However, we feel it is important to voice our support for one of our newest members, Rep. Kenneth Paschal, who as the only minority Republican House member, faces challenges other members do not, especially from those who oppose his views. Yet, Rep. Paschal treats those who agree with him, as well as those who disagree, with dignity and respect, regardless of how he is treated in return."
"We understand that Rep. Paschal and other minority Republicans face uphill battles both now and in the future. We are proud and appreciative, but not surprised, of the way Rep. Paschal represents his district and the Republican Party. He continues to display the character expected when he was elected. Thank you, Representative Paschal."
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email craig.monger@1819news.com.
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