This article is about the Alabama state legislator. For the Ariel Capital Management founder, chairman & CEO, see John W. Rogers Jr. For other uses, see John Rogers.
On May 1, 2019, Rogers stated during a filibuster in opposition to a bill challenging Roe v. Wade, that would make performing or attempting to perform an abortion in Alabama a felony:
“Some children are just unwanted. You either kill them now or you kill them later in the electric chair.”
“Some parents can’t handle a child with problems. It could be retarded. It might have no arms and no legs.”[4]
Rogers' comments were widely decried in the media, by conservative pundits, and by the Alabama House Democratic Caucus.[5][6] Senator Doug Jones, a friend of Rogers', called him to let him know that the comments were hurtful and that he would condemn them publicly.[7]
Also criticised by Donald Trump Jr., Rogers stated the following day, May 2, 2019, that he should have been aborted and that there was something mentally wrong with him.[8] Rogers later apologized for using the word "retarded" in his criticism of Trump Jr.[7]
Indictment
In September 2023, Rogers was indicted on two counts of obstruction of justice related to an investigation of the defrauding of the Jefferson County Community Service Fund. The same investigation previously led to the indictment and resignation of fellow state representative Fred Plump.[9] Rogers denied any wrongdoing and said that he would "look forward to a court date".[10] Rogers later pled guilty and resigned from the Alabama House effective March 13, 2024.[11]
