MEMPHIS, Tenn. - A Tennessee lawmaker is in hot water after making some racial remarks in session on Tuesday. Representative Curry Todd, who represents Collierville, compared pregnant, illegal immigrants to multiplying rats. He said they are ushered into the U.S. healthcare system without being checked for citizenship. He's angry, and so is the Hispanic community.
Over the phone, Curry Todd was not willing to formally apologize for his remarks.
He conceded his words were harsh, but he's not getting caught up in being politically correct. This doesn't sit well with some in the Hispanic community who believe this elected official needs to be ousted!
The conversation started about healthcare and verifying citizenship for pregnant, illegal immigrants.
“According to the federal government, we cannot ask for immigration documents or verify that information because we are providing coverage to the unborn,” said a member of the Fiscal Review Committee.
Not the answer representative Curry Todd wanted to hear.
“We can go out there like rats, and multiply them, I guess,” said Todd.
On the phone, from Nashville, Todd explained what he meant.
“Maybe my words were a little harsh on that. I probably should have used anchor babies which are what they are called in Arizona and Texas,” said Todd.
Todd is referring to pregnant, illegal immigrants who are in America, and allowed to stay to care for their babies who are born and classified as U.S. citizens.
“I don't want to see any child not have care, but I feel they are abusing our system here because they know they can get these kids services, and the taxpayers in Tennessee are the ones having to pay for this, its not them,” said Todd.
Francisco Correa, the editor of La Prensa Latina here in the Bluff City, said his beliefs are up for debate, in a more respectful way.
“To compare humans to rats, animals, it’s unbelievable,” said Correa.
Correa said the comments are insulting to the entire Hispanic community.
“I'm sorry if other people got offended but I’m not going to be hooked up in political correctness,” said Todd.
People living in Collierville, the district Todd represents, calls his remarks a slip of the tongue, but agreed an apology was in order.
“I think an apology is appropriate for a mistake of that magnitude, especially when it outrages someone,” said Sarah Hendrix.
“(Reporter) Are you willing to apologize to anyone who may have been offended? (Todd) No. I'm not apologizing to anyone who may have been offended. I used the wrong terminology.”
But Sidney Mendelson, publisher of The Bilingual Newspaper, said an apology is not enough.
“This person needs to be removed from office, and there is no apology needed,” said Mendelson.
Todd said his office will release a statement on Friday.