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April 17, 2025
Sen. Jacinda Morigeau had heard enough.
On April 12, the Arlee Democrat took the Montana Senate floor to address a bill banning the shackling of incarcerated women during childbirth. Although 43 votes backed the bill, four male senators opposed it, leaving a sting of dissent.
One opposing senator then dismissed a female lawmaker’s support for red flag gun laws as “histrionics,” provoking Morigeau to speak out against the gender disrespect she witnessed in her 73 days in office.
“I am tired of it,” Morigeau stated. She conveyed frustration with decorum breaches that go unchecked, especially towards women legislators. Her sentiments were echoed by other female senators who indicated sexism was rampant in the Capitol.
Sen. Daniel Emrich highlighted these issues during a debate on House Bill 456 on April 16, suggesting it might be cheaper to pay women to stay home than to fund scholarships for child care workers.
Health committee discussions reveal poor support for bills aiding mothers. For instance, Senate Bill 372, focused on nurse staffing standards, was tabled despite significant female backing.
Efforts to cover doula services under Medicaid were dismissed by some male senators as unnecessary, describing doulas as merely “extended family” despite their professional training.
Moreover, during a red flag gun law debate, Sen. Ellie Boldman recounted a tragic case underscoring the law’s necessity, contradicting claims it was redundant. The Senate still passed a bill preventing enforcement of such laws from other states.
Sen. John Fuller labeled Boldman’s testimony as “histrionics,” claiming the bill safeguarded constitutional rights, not endangering the public.
This incident reveals the gender bias within the legislative process, as noted by Sen. Daniel Zolnikov, illustrating contrasting perceptions of male and female lawmakers.
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