Rep. Mary Lou Marzian, a Louisville Democrat, has introduced a bill that would force men who want to use erectile dysfunction drugs to jump through a series of hoops beforehand, including visiting a doctor twice and getting notes from their wives.
“I want to protect these men from themselves,” Marzian, who is a also nurse, said to the Courier-Journal. “This is about family values.”
Mazian told Fox affiliate WDRB that House Bill 396 would also require someone seeking Viagra, Cialis, Levitra or Avanafil to promise to only use the prescription drug for erectile dysfunction when having sexual relations with his current spouse.
“I started thinking, ‘How would this body of men feel if the government was injecting [itself] into their private medical decisions?’” she said.
Marzian proposed her bill a week after Kentucky Gov. Matt Bevin signed a bill requiring women to consult with a doctor at least 24 hours before an abortion. Bevin's bill, which was labeled the “informed consent” bill, it was passed with 92 yes votes on Jan. 28.
Marzian was one of three members of the Kentucky House to vote against the law, according to Kentucky’s WDRB.
“We are very ‘family values’ in the Kentucky General Assembly — they are all awash in Christian family values, so that’s why I put that part in there that [erectile pills] can only be used in a marital relationship,” Marzian said in her interview with WDRB.
Six anti-abortion bills have been introduced since the beginning of the year in Kentucky.
Marzian admitted her bill is unlikely to pass, but she may try to get a hearing for it anyway. The lawmaker also said she intends to introduce a bill that would require gun buyers to get counseling from victims of gun violence 24 hours ahead of a firearms purchase.
“I’m just making sure the government is taking care of your safety,” she said. "Republicans, tea party members and some Democrats use wedge issues like abortion as a way to get re-elected. They say they're about protecting the family, but they won't vote to regulate booster seats, to enforce smoking bans or for early child education."
Some students at Ball State found the proposal offensive and unnecessary.
“Nothing like this will ever get passed because it doesn’t make sense and it’s outlandish,” said Anthony Thomas, a freshman undecided major. “I get the point, but it seems like a waste of legislative time.”
Others found the bill humoring, but impactful.
“I think it’s starting an important conversation and shedding light on the ways different genders are treated by the government,” said Alexis Meek, a junior biology major. “I know there’s not much that will actually come of it in the statehouse, but I think we should all pay attention to the underlying message.”
Since introducing the legislation, Marzian has told WDRB she has gotten a lot of responses from people who say they appreciate her point.
"I also get messages from people who say, 'Why are you wasting your time on this when there are more important things to worry about?' — and that's my point," she said.
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