Bachmann: Museum will ‘enshrine’ the ‘radical feminist movement’

Reps. Michele Bachmann (R-Minn.) and Vicky Hartzler (R-Mo.) on Wednesday voted against a commission to study a national women’s history museum on or near the National Mall.

{mosads}They were the only women to vote against the measure, which easily passed the House in a 383-33 vote. All of the no votes came from Republicans.

Bachmann said she was concerned that a women’s history museum would put too much emphasis on the feminist movement and abortion rights.

“I believe this museum that will be built on the National Mall, on federal land, will enshrine that radical feminist movement,” Bachmann said.

Under the legislation, the commission and potential museum would be funded with private donations. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-N.Y.), the bill’s sponsor, said that $15 million has been raised to date.

Bachmann argued that building such a museum on the National Mall would ultimately lead to taxpayers footing the bill.

“Let’s face it; we wouldn’t be here today if it wasn’t the museum’s ultimate goal to get a place on the federal mall of land and federal funding,” Bachmann said.

Several conservative groups, including Heritage Action, Concerned Women for America and Susan B. Anthony List, urged Republicans to vote against the museum ahead of the vote.

Hartzler said that a separate museum to commemorate women’s history was unnecessary. She also said that existing museums were enough to document the role of women.

“As a woman, I feel the idea of celebrating women and men equally is admirable and good. Women have played a big part in our history and they should be lauded for that,” Hartzler said.

“I would like to see us stop dividing ourselves into various groups. We are all Americans, and our achievements should be highlighted in the American History Museum,” Hartzler added.