(Columbia) April 27, 2005 - A Lowcountry
representative apologized Tuesday for offending people
with comments he made after he helped kill a criminal
domestic violence bill last week.
During the nearly seven-minute apology, Charleston
Rep. John Graham Altman made sure to apologize to all
those he offended, "I very much regret. This is not
one of those wimpish apologize if I offended you, I
never like those Mr. Sandifer, because I offend a lot of
people," while adding some interesting quotes, "I
don't mind dining out now and then, but I don't enjoy
being the entrée."
Altman seemed unfazed by the uproar over his
comments, "If you don't agree with me, that's Ok. I'm
married. I understand people don't agree. I can deal
with that."
During his weekly television show House Speaker David
Wilkins said he's had a number of private meetings with
Altman. When asked if Altman should be punished further
for his remarks about women he said, "First of all it
was inappropriate and should not have happened. Number
two, today I'm concentrating on a criminal domestic
violence bill, the new bill moving forward, and I am not
focusing on any alleged action that I, or Representative
Harrison should take. Well, if that is appropriate,
we'll make that determination and deal with it."
Representative Altman's apology came as the South
Carolina House put a
reworked criminal domestic violence bill on a fast
track. The House Judiciary Committee killed a similar
bill last week.
Rep. Gilda Cobb-Hunter (D-Orangeburg) isn't happy
that Altman is a co-sponsor of the new bill, "That
was the last straw, that was the last straw. I give
credit for him for elevating the issue, but it is the
utmost, so hypocritical, for a man that holds the views
he holds to be allowed to come onto the ammendment so
they can smooth the waters and quiet the fervor, I can't
be a part of that."
The new bill would set fines of up to $2,500 for
first-offense criminal domestic violence. The current
penalty is 30 days in jail or a $500.
It could be debated as early as Thursday directly on
the House floor. Altman questioned
last week why women return to relationships in which
they've suffered abuse.
About three dozen people protested outside Altman's
Charleston home Tuesday.
Updated 9:03am by Chantelle
Janelle with
AP
