The Minnesota Legislature has two chambers. The smaller more cordial Senate and the larger House. It is a common practice during a floor session for a member ask the body to pause business and recognize someone in attendance. You will see veterans being recognized, as well as students, teachers, religious leaders, and former legislators.
The body will rise and give a standing ovation.
It's called a "point of personal privilege. In my 20 years of following the Minnesota Legislature have never seen this privilege being used for political purposes.
Until today:
Minnesota Rep. Glenn Gruenhagen caused an outcry on the House floor on Monday when he introduced a visiting friend who had exited the "gay lifestyle."
"He was active in the gay lifestyle for about ten years, and then he left it, got married and he now has three children," Gruenhagen, R-Glencoe, said.
Article:
Star Tribune
"It was a completely inappropriate statement to make on the House floor," House Speaker Paul Thissen, DFL-Minneapolis, said later. "I also think the content of his statement at that point in time in this legislative session was inappropriate in itself."
He said he personally found the statement offensive.
and
House Minority Leader Kurt Daudt, R-Crown, said: "Rep. Glenn Gruenhagen's comments today on the floor were inappropriate and it was not the proper use of a point of personal privilege."
Gruenhagen, a week ago, made news for this racist rant:
If you are in the DFL Majority- do what ever you have to do- Keep giving this guy the microphone. Let him be the Republican spokesperson. He's doing a good job at it.