Moran Condemns Akin's Offensive 'Legitimate Rape' Remarks

RICHMOND - Democratic Party of Virginia Chairman Brian Moran released the following statement today denouncing Missouri Rep. Todd Akin's comments that  "legitimate rape" rarely leads to pregnancy and urging all Virginia Republicans to speak out against his horrifying and insensitive rhetoric.

"No survivor of the horrifying crime of rape should ever have to hear her ordeal discussed in such offensive and insensitive terms as Representative Todd Akin used yesterday. Instead of seeking to redefine rape in order to advance an anti-women's health agenda, Representative Akin and his Republican colleagues should be fighting to end the crime of rape and offer as much support and protection for every survivor, not just those they view as 'legitimate.'

"Virginians deserve to know where their leaders stand on remarks as offensive and insensitive as these, which is why many across Virginia have already condemned them. Unfortunately, as of the moment they have yet to hear from Attorney General Ken Cuccinelli and Lieutenant Governor Bill Bolling about whether they join in the condemnation or if Akin's remarks are somehow defensible in their view. Virginians deserve that much from Republican leaders who hope to run their Commonwealth someday."