Montana lawmaker apologizes over remarks to Native Americans
Posted Feb 15, 2019 5:27 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
HELENA, Mont. — A Montana lawmaker has apologized for telling Native American legislators that abortion is self-inflicted genocide and a plague on Indian culture.
Republican Rep. Greg DeVries (deh-VREES) made his initial comments Thursday on the House floor in support of an anti-abortion bill.
His remarks prompted 11 senators and representative of the Montana American Indian Caucus to send a letter to House Speaker Greg Hertz urging Hertz to publicly admonish DeVries.
The letter written by Democratic Rep. Shane Morigeau says DeVries’ comments were bigoted, offensive and harmful, and that actual genocide has been experienced by Native Americans.
On Friday, DeVries asked for forgiveness. He said he recognizes the members of the Indian caucus value their culture and that he becomes passionate over the issue of abortion because he also values culture.
The Associated Press
