Updated: Costa Seeks Public Apology From Handy

Rep. Doreen Costa (R-North Kingstown, Exeter) has publicly requested that a fellow state representative apologize and retract statements made about her last week.

Costa and Rep. Arthur Handy (D-Cranston) became embroiled in a war of words last week after Costa's remarks that Bishop Tobin should punish Catholic legislators who strayed from church doctrine. Handy seized the suggestion and issued a blunt response, saying he was "appalled" by Costa's suggestion to "punish so many good Catholic people who support the civil rights of the gay community."

In a press release issued on Monday, Costa clarified that her statements were aimed at Obamacare, not gay marriage.

"In a conversation with Bishop Tobin, I said the Washington delegation should be held accountable for voting for Obamacare because our tax dollars are going into taxpayer-funded abortions," said Costa. "My conversation had nothing to do with the civil rights of the gay community as Mr. Handy said."

Costa added that, though Handy called her to discuss the matter, she is seeking a public apology from him for misrepresenting her statement. Costa also took aim at Sen. James Sheehan, who weighed in on the debate last week and called Costa's comments "off base." 

"Also, Sen. (James) Sheehan had no right to join in on this false criticism," said Costa. "He wasn't even in the room when we were discussing the issue and therefore had no business in attacking me or my integrity."

Sheehan said he did not intend to butt into the discussion, but was asked by Patch to comment on the issue. He added that his statements were "hardly an attack on her person, which she did in turn to me by calling me a liar on the Buddy Cianci show [on Monday]."

For Sheehan, many are missing the root of the discussion.

"We should be asking whether or not it's good policy for a legislator to be asking the bishop to hold accountable legislators who don't follow church doctrine, specifically on the issue of abortion," said Sheehan.

This article was updated at 2:30 p.m. on Aug. 20 to reflect statements by Sen. James Sheehan.