Marjorie Taylor Greene faces criticism after saying a stepmother is 'not a mother'

Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, R-Ga., is facing criticism from her Democratic colleagues after telling a stepmother she's "not a mother".

The conversation unfolded as Randi Weingarten, the president of the American Federation of Teachers, spoke Wednesday before the House Select Subcommittee on the Coronavirus Pandemic. She was a witness during a hearing on school closures prompted by the spread of COVID-19.

Greene asked her during the hearing whether she is a mother, and Weingarten replied that she’s a “mother by marriage.”

The Georgia lawmaker called her “not a biological mother” and later told the union leader, “The problem is, people like you need to admit that you’re just a political activist, not a teacher, not a mother and not a medical doctor.”

Washington: Hunter Biden calls for action targeting Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene, former Trump aide

Politics: Marjorie Taylor Greene silenced by committee after calling DHS Secretary Mayorkas 'a liar'

'It'd be nice if we didn't attack the witnesses'

Republicans during the hearing criticized Weingarten over suggestions made to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention over school closures and other preventative measures.

Democratic lawmakers immediately criticized Greene’s comments on Weingarten’s status as a parent. Rep. Robert Garcia, D-Calif., after Greene’s remarks told his colleagues “It’d be nice if we didn’t attack the witnesses, particularly making a decision about whether or not she’s a mother.”

Rep. Raul Ruiz, D-Calif., called Greene’s comments “cruel, personal attacks” against Weingarten.

“It is reflective of the cruel, personal attacks to any adopted mother or father who love their children,” he said.

Rep. Maxwell Frost, D-Fla., shared on Twitter “My mom and dad adopted me at birth and they are my parents.”

Rep. Jimmy Gomez, D-Calif., tweeted “Adopted moms + dads, stepmoms and stepdads — they are all real parents, full stop.”

Greene on Wednesday shared a clip of her questioning of Weingarten, again calling her “not a mother.”

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Marjorie Taylor Greene criticized after calling witness 'not a mother'