After delay, House honors young anti-abortion orator

Dispatch Politics Thursday,
February 18, 2010 3:20
AM By Jim Siegel



The word abortion was not uttered yesterday as the controversy ended over honoring a young woman in the Ohio House for winning an oratory contest sponsored by National Right to Life. Elizabeth Trisler, a 19-year-old from Shelby County, was given honorary resolutions on the floors of both the House and Senate for her accomplishment, less than a week after Speaker Armond Budish, D-Beachwood, reversed an initial decision to deny her the presentation. "I am happy that we were able to present the award to Ms. Trisler," Budish said. "There are no written rules or guidance as to which resolutions get presented on the floor. (House Minority Leader William Batchelder) and I will be talking about how to proceed in the future."

Saying the content was too divisive for what is usually a feel-good ceremony honoring sports teams and individual accomplishments, Budish originally had said that although Trisler could get a resolution, Rep. John Adams, R-Sidney, could not present it on the House floor. The decision drew fire from House Republicans, Ohio Right to Life and the American Civil Liberties Union of Ohio, which each accused the speaker of trying to silence someone who shared a different view on abortion.  Budish, who favors abortion rights, changed his position on the resolution last Thursday. "Through her remarkable efforts, she has set an example worthy of emulation," Adams said before presenting Trisler with the resolution.

Although Trisler was honored for her oratory skills, she also understands brevity. She said nothing in the Senate, and in the House said: "I'd like to say thank you to everyone who has made this possible. I'm extremely humbled, and I hope to see you all in the future." When she finished in the House, Republicans quickly jumped to their feet to give her a standing ovation. About half of House Democrats also rose, though more slowly. With the spotlight on abortion, Senate Republicans did not waste the moment. Soon after presenting Trisler with a resolution, the Senate voted 21-9 for a resolution urging Congress to oppose any legislation that would increase access or funding for abortion.