Just two days into the 68th Wyoming Legislature’s general session, State Senator Larry Hicks, R-Baggs, publicly apologized to fellow Senator Eric Barlow, R-Gillette, for attempting to block Barlow’s appointment as chair of the Senate Labor, Health and Social Services Committee.
Hicks’ motion on the first day of the session was rooted in what he described as their “vehement disagreement” on abortion-related issues. However, the motion was decisively defeated in a 28-3 vote.
Hicks accused Barlow of not sufficiently opposing abortion during his tenure as House Speaker (2021–2022), alleging that Barlow impeded certain pro-life bills by preventing them from advancing through the legislative process. Hicks argued that such actions were inconsistent with Wyoming’s pro-life values. The Senate Labor, Health and Social Services Committee often addresses abortion-related legislation, making its leadership position a significant point of contention.
In response to Hicks’ comments, Barlow defended his record, stating:
“I have always been committed to protecting life and supporting Wyoming families at every stage of life.”
He criticized Hicks’ actions as “political theater” and emphasized his dedication to ensuring legislation aligns with Wyoming voters’ values.
On Thursday, Hicks addressed the Senate floor, offering a formal apology to Barlow for potentially misrepresenting his voting record. He acknowledged revisiting his own record and recognizing that legislative actions often evolve over time.
“I did that based on my own religious convictions,” Hicks said, adding, “It is not necessarily what we did two, four, or six years ago. It is what we do today, and tomorrow, as a body.”
Barlow did not comment directly on the apology but reiterated his pro-life stance, emphasizing his commitment to leadership with integrity and respect for his colleagues.
Hicks’ apology and the events leading up to it highlighted tensions within the Senate regarding decorum and legislative priorities. Former Senate President Ogden Driskill, R-Devils Tower, noted that such disputes can undermine respect for the institution. Hicks later expressed that his views—and potentially those of others—can change over time.
Despite the apology, Hicks maintained some reservations about Barlow’s past decisions.
“I’m still disappointed with many of the things he did in the past, but his voting record seems to be moving in the right direction,” Hicks stated.
Barlow countered this, saying his pro-life views have not changed, though he underscored the importance of scrutinizing legislative proposals for their intent and legality.
Wyoming Tribune Eagle and Cowboy State Daily contributed to this report.
