N.J. lawmaker to sponsor measure condemning Akin’s remarks on rape

New Jersey Assemblywoman Bonnie Watson Coleman says she’ll sponsor a resolution condemning remarks by Missouri Congressman Todd Akin.

Akin, a Republican running for U.S. Senate, said that women’s bodies can prevent pregnancies if they’re victims of what he called a “legitimate rape.”

Coleman, D-Mercer, says while she understands the right of free speech, the implications of the comments need to be considered.

“There is no such thing as a legitimate rape,” she said. “No is no, and if you don’t understand the rights that I have as a woman in that situation you don’t deserve to be a representative representing the interests of 53 percent of the population.”

Assembly Speaker Sheila Oliver says she supports Coleman’s resolution and plans to post it for a vote when lawmakers return to Trenton.

“Rape is too volatile and aggressive and violent an act to allow any trivialization of an act of rape,” said Oliver, D-Essex.

Akin has apologized for his remarks but is staying in the race for the U.S. Senate seat now held by Claire McCaskill despite calls for him to quit from Democrats and Republicans.