Frederick Douglass Foundation president Babette Holder wants to see state Rep. Dianne Pappas (D-Itasca) formally censored for recent remarks about “castration” as a way of dealing with the state’s growing problem of abortion.
“She needs to be censored,” Holder told the DuPage Policy Journal. “What she said is every bit as bad as what Rep. [Stephanie] Kifowit talked about when she spoke of brewing up a Legionnaires' potion for then Rep. Peter Breen. There needs to be accountability when you make these kinds of statements and you’re supposed to be a public servant.”
The controversy involving Pappas stems from her allegedly telling Wayne Township Republican trustee Jackie Hayden she views “castration” as a way of remedying the problem of abortion and dealing with House Bill 2495, which would make Illinois home to the most unrestricted abortion access in the country.
Rep. Dianne Pappas
“You know, ladies, with technology the way it is, we wouldn't have an abortion problem if we applied a plan,” Pappas said, according to a recounting from Hayden of a recent meeting she attended at Pappas' Bloomingdale office in an article posted to the Wayne County Republican organization website. “I've been told it's a bit radical, but if we allowed men to be castrated, took the sperm to the bank, collected tax dollars on it for storage, then when it's time, to have the man decide he's ready to begin a family ... well then problem is solved."
Holder, who also serves as national spokesperson for the organization, said the racist overtones are undeniable.
“The first thing I thought is when I’m advocating for minority organizations to get things done for minorities across the aisle talk of castration is something that will never resonate well with African-Americans,” she said. “It has racist overtones, especially at a time when there is actually a debate about reparations.”
Pappas’ 45th District covers all or parts of Bartlett, Hanover Park, West Chicago, Wayne, Carol Stream, Bloomingdale, Itasca, Roselle, Wood Dale, Medinah and Addison.
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