Offensive remarks from an elected public official

Rockland County Legislator John Murphy expressed his disappointment to learn that a local elected official used the offensive term "retarded" to describe a colleague during a heated discussion at a recent public meeting.

Legislator Murphy stated, "The use of this word is inappropriate and
undermines efforts to destigmatize and bring dignity to persons with
intellectual disabilities. I am incredibly offended and disappointed by
the use of the word by an elected official and I call for a public
apology." 

"We have eliminated scores of derisive, unacceptable and hurtful words from our vocabulary that demean ethnicity and religion or that categorize people in an offensive manner," added Murphy. "We must all be sensitive to words that assault the dignity of others.  No one may be excused."
"I will give him the opportunity to come forward with a public apology before identifying him by name," said Murphy.