In a surprising move that seems to hark back to outdated norms, North Dakota lawmakers have rejected a proposal to repeal the state’s Blue Law, which prohibits businesses from opening before noon on Sundays. While the vote was close, it’s the reasoning behind maintaining this archaic regulation that has sparked significant outrage.
During the debates, Representative Frank McAllister, who appears to be channeling sentiments from the mid-20th century, suggested that Sundays should be dedicated to family time, particularly for women. His advice? “Spend quality time with your wife and kids—make him breakfast, serve it in bed, and then take the children for a stroll.”
It’s 2017, and yet here we are, hearing calls for women to cater to their husbands in a way that feels straight out of a history book. The suggestion that women should prioritize their husband’s comfort over their own needs is not just antiquated; it’s downright infuriating.
McAllister isn’t alone in his old-fashioned thinking. Representative Laura Simmons expressed her concerns about women having too much leisure time, suggesting it might lead them to frivolously spend their husband’s earnings. “I don’t know about you, but my wife could spend my paycheck in just a few days,” she remarked, completely oblivious to the connotations of her words.
Residents of Fargo have mixed reactions to these comments. One local, Emily Johnson, expressed her frustration: “It’s disheartening to know that these are the people elected to represent us. Their backward views reflect poorly on the state.” On the other hand, another resident, Karen Lee, shrugged off the controversy, claiming, “If that’s how they want to live, that’s their choice,” failing to understand that such outdated perspectives shouldn’t influence legislation.
While McAllister declined to comment directly, Simmons defended her remarks as misunderstood humor, suggesting that critics simply lack a sense of fun. Yet, jokes about gender roles are hardly appropriate when discussing laws that impact people’s lives.
As the Blue Law remains intact, perhaps women in North Dakota can use their Sunday mornings for something more empowering—like an online shopping spree with a side of mimosas or exploring other options for family planning. If you’re curious about home insemination methods, check out this informative post on intracervicalinsemination.com. For those looking into at-home insemination kits, Make A Mom offers valuable resources. Additionally, for a comprehensive guide on fertility treatments, UCSF’s IVF page is an excellent place to start.
In summary, North Dakota’s lawmakers have demonstrated an alarming reluctance to move past traditional gender roles, as evidenced by their defense of outdated Sunday regulations. While some citizens express disappointment over these archaic views, others seem indifferent. Regardless, it’s clear that women’s empowerment and modern choices should take precedence over outdated legislation.