Minnesota Lawmakers Clash Over 'White Male' Comment [Video]

SAINT PAUL, MN — Minnesota House Minority Leader Melissa Hortman, a Democrat representing suburban Minneapolis, is facing calls from her Republican colleagues to apologize and resign for remarks made during floor debate Monday.

"I hate to break up the 100 percent white male card game in the retiring room, but I think this is an important debate," Hortman said.

House members were debating a proposal to increase penalties for protesters who shut down highways or airports.

Hortman, who is white, went on to say that several female lawmakers had given exceptional speeches while other lawmakers were in the retiring room.

"I’m a white male. I respect everybody," said Rep. Bob Dettmer, a Republican, responding to Hortman.

"But I really believe the comments made by the minority leader were really not appropriate. Minority leader, would you apologize to the body?"

Hortman then said she had "no intention of apologizing" and was "tired of watching women of color, in particular, being ignored."

"So I’m not sorry," she added.

The back and forth continued, with Dettmer saying that "All I know is that if I would have made a comment like that, it would have made the front page of the newspapers."

"And minority leader, I do forgive you."

Now, Republican Greg Davids is calling on Hortman to "resign," reports the Post Bulletin.

"I was greatly offended by Hortman's racist statement about white males," Davids told the newspaper. "I believe her comments have created a very hostile working environment."

Watch Monday's spat on the House floor below:

Image via TheUpTake.org

Lawmaker profile photos via Minnesota House of Representatives