An Alabama legislator has raised many eyebrows by saying that teachers should not be armed because most of them are women.
Calling them “our ladies,” Republican State Rep. Harry Shiver told local news website AL.com that most women "are scared of guns" and should not be expected to carry them in classrooms.
"In most schools, women are (the majority) of the teachers," Shiver told the site. "Some of them just don't want to (be trained to possess firearms). If they want to, then that's good. But most of them don't want to learn how to shoot like that and carry a gun."
The comments were made as Shiver was discussing a bill that would allow school systems in the state to designate trained teachers and administrators to carry guns on school campuses. Arming teachers has become a hot topic after the Feb. 14 school shooting in Parkland, Fla.
"I've heard ... that 75% of Republicans support it, but I was there live and in person and I know what it is like in the schools," said Shiver, who is a former teacher. "Most women wouldn't like to be put in that position. I know from South Alabama, they wouldn't."
During Thursday’s debate by the House Public Safety Committee, according to local TV station WSFA, Shiver said that he doesn't believe "lady teachers" should be armed. "I taught for 32 years, and it's mostly ladies that's teaching, and they got more things to worry about than a gun."
Shivers was backed up by Democratic Rep. Mary Moore, who agreed that there are not many men in the school system, the station reported.
"I know in Birmingham you … you could go to four or five schools in a row, and there's not one male in any of those schools to do much of anything," Moore said.
"And you know why these superintendents do that?" Moore asked. "They will hire a female over a male teacher because they say it's easier to control a female teacher."
The committee later approved the bill, which now goes to the full House for debate.
The Washington Post said Shiver did not respond to multiple requests for comment.
